Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Program in Perth Past Review

By (Hobart and William Smith Colleges) - abroad from 02/22/2016 to 06/25/2016 with

Curtin University: Perth – Study Abroad & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes- I learned a new sense of independence and met great friends from the states. I also really enjoyed my classes and learning from a different style.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I would have enjoyed living with all other exchange students as the roommates that I lived with were not particularly engaging, nor did they help in accommodating the transition to living in Perth.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Most of the integration was my own doing. However, I felt integrated with having Australian professors and being in a classroom with all other Australians.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe traveling alone and felt that the city was small enough to explore by myself.

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

I would have preferred living on the west coast as I was more interested in the different cities. It was also rather expensive to live in Perth.

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)

Food and travel are both very expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $2,500-3,000
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan meals, plan travel dates, and definitely work with a travel agent when planning trips.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International 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?
  • Travel Opportunities
  • Smallish City
* What could be improved?
  • Living Arrangements
  • Integration with locals (possibility to live with a host family)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The expenses and the isolation of Perth.

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!