Kangaroos, adventures and sunshine! Past Review

By (Becker College) - abroad from 02/11/2019 to 06/22/2019 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Townsville - Semester in Tropical North Queensland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself. I learned more about what I wanted to do with my future and found a love for traveling. I have become more independent and satisfied about where I am in life. Studying abroad is 100% worthwhile and everything I thought it would be and more!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The education was very different from my home university but I gained a lot of research experience as well as field experience through field trips which I would not have done if I never studied abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone is very welcoming and open to asking questions. The on campus international administration knew all of our names after the first meeting and always went out of his way to say hello.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was nice having 2 flat mates but my own room. Would have been nice to have a kitchen.

* Food:

Dining hall had limited options and very repetitive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

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

Depending on the week spending was very difficult. Australia is beautiful and being abroad for so long, you want to explore and see everything; however, plane tickets and car rentals can get pricey. Traveling in groups helps with costs a little. Also, it is very common for students to have to pay for events that the school hosts.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10 to over $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan out trips ahead of time! Last minute plans can be very expensive. Also, if you can avoid eating out, do it. The dining hall may not be amazing but it’s already paid for. Save your money for fun things like traveling.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Rural atmosphere- just like home
  • Field trips!
  • Doing things I’ve never done before (example: scuba dive)
* What could be improved?
  • More money awareness before departure
  • Campus tour upon arrival would be helpful
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Time flies by. Make use of your free time; even though you are here to study, take the time to travel and see the country! It is beautiful and although expensive at times, you won’t regret it !

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!