Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I did things that I never thought I was capable of. Past Review

By (Becker College) - abroad from 02/13/2019 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?
It was worthwhile. I’ve learned that it is hard getting out of your comfortable bubble but once you do, you learn something new about yourself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The material was rigorous but very interesting. Honestly learned more in the past 4 months than the past 3 years.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The university is very supporitve of international students. They are amazing people and are always planning events for international students to socialize.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I liked it. I was living in an apartment styled dorm. It was my first time living on a campus so it was a new experience for me.

* Food:

The food at the dining hall was not so great. There was only a couple nights that the food was okay. Food off campus and the little cafés around campus are great though!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Australians are very proud of who they are and aren’t afraid to show how they do things differently.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not need any medical assistance during my time abroad so I can’t say how good the health insurance was. The university however did provide health insurance. I did not need any vaccines for this program.

* Safety:

I felt very safe. Everyone is respectful and security is always driving around campus. Anyone is willing to give a hand so I never felt truly alone.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I just would like to see more of the world. I have seen some of Australia now it’s time to see another country.

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)

Not easy. It was very hard trying to find a job. Once I did find a job, I was only called to work for one day. Because the food at the dining hall was not so great, most of my money went to food. Even with money saved up, I wish someone had give me a better idea of exactly how much I would need.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40/week, even though I had a meal plan
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save any penny you can get. The activities in Australia are so much better than the activities back home so it will be worth not going out every weekend or buying that unnecessary pair of heels.

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?
  • The program had an on-site adviser who planned trips with us.
  • The program had money set aside for us so we could do things.
* What could be improved?
  • Informing us how great the dining hall is would have been great.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? 60’F feels warm in the states but in Australia it feels like it’s below 50’F so brining a jacket and a couple of sweaters is not a bad idea.

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!