Australia, Just go! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was not prepared for Australia's style of grading. There were only 2-3 assignments for each class to be graded, it was hard to keep up with my work because lectures attendance was not taken and there was always something fun going on around campus, or in the residence area I was residing in. The workload was not necessarily hard, but the essay format was very different from the United States which made it hard to get above an average grade in any given class. The professors were very friendly overseas and were always able to help me with anything I needed extra help on. Especially the tutorials, they were essential for my sucess in my classes.

On-site administration of your program

The faculty and staff at my university were always able to assist me with everything that I needed. All of my questions were answered in full detail and I never had any problems with the host administration. The teachers, residence living, library staff etc. were all respectful and helpful toawrds me.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing situation was perfect. I lived in an apartment complex, and 90% or more of the students living there were from all over the world, Europe, America, South America, Australia, New Zealand. It was a great way for me to meet people, and the apartments were convienant.

I did not have a meal plan on campus, so I had to do grocery shopping weekly. My advice for future students would be to take in account your food expenes. Buying take out 4-5 times a week does get very expensive, and it is almost like wasted money. I would shop for generic brands because there is a higher tax on food in Australia. Putting yourself on a food budget, and buying grocerys weekly would have saved me a ton of money. It is always great to go out and explore the town and go eat with your new friends, but I would only recommend doing that 2-3 times a month because of the expenses.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved meeting everyone that I met while abroad. I now have close friends all over Europe and I was so glad I took the oppertunity. While abroad I traveled up the East coast because it was inexpensive to do so. I suggets TigerAirways. They have cheap flights all over Australia and deals all of the time! If you are going to fly TigerAirways, I would suggest showing up at the appropiate check in time when they say, otherwise you will not be allowed to board the flight and will have to reschedule and pay more money. I would suggets visiting Byron Bay for the sunrise/sunset, Surfers paradise, Cains, Mardi Gras parade, melbourne, bondi beach and manly beach, brisbane, and also there are many spring break deals for students to amazing places so I would take advantage because it is hard to travel to the other side of the world often.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I always felt safe in the city. I did not live directly in the city, but at night that is where I went out and I never had a problem with feeling not welcome.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Apartment

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• International Students

• The orientation

• Scheduling courses