The Perth Less Traveled Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There are really only three grades per class and the final exam is worth anywhere from 40-60% or your overall grade. Classes are lecture based and each class meets once a week with a tutorial section of the class used to study and discuss lecture material. Workload was difficult because there was so little of it over the semester and so you really have to reinforce what you learn along the way and be prepared for the work when it's due. (That said, the deadlines are very lax depending on the professor.) You call professors by their first name, which takes getting used to because in the States using titles is a sign of respect.

On-site administration of your program

No complaints really. I was expecting being on my own at first, but after making friends in the village it was fine.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Village housing was on campus and with 5 other students in the unit. Depending on your roommates, your apartment was either clean or dirty. Cookware was scarce although supposedly included in the unit. I did need to buy a sheet set from the university for 125 AUD. My roommates were kind enough to lend me items if I needed them. Housing was convenient to train station and a short walk when the buses weren't running.

Lots of choices to eat out, familiar and not. But groceries are expensive, so when I wasn't eating out, my food intake was minimal to save money.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were many programs available through ECU, but I preferred doing it on my own with a smaller group. You make better friends and save money. Rottnest Island (Rotto) is a must - rent bikes and explore the island. Try to go more than once! Fremantle (Freo) is also a lot of fun. And Perth is just an amazing city. For break, a bunch of friends and I rented a car and went on a road trip to Coral Bay. A lot of driving, but you get to see the road less taken in Oz.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt very safe in Perth - no risk of pick-pocketing or anything like that. Healthcare was great because it's free after paying for the coverage unless you abuse the insurance. I was sick for the first 2 months with colds and whatnot just adjusting to new germs. I recommend bringing as many over the counter drugs as you can from home because they are expensive and have different names and purposes.

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

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• Dorm
• Apartment

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• Local Students
• International Students

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• International Students

• ECU Campus
• Direct Exchange tuition

• Orientation Services at ECU