Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Becoming Australian-American! Past Review

By (Elementary And Special Education, Western Washington University) - abroad from 07/16/2012 to 09/21/2012 with

EducatorsAbroad: Traveling - Student Teaching (10-18 Weeks)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself as a teacher; about what I would like to do differently, the skills I have that are really unique to me, and that I can really use. I have also learned a lot about the way different countries interact as well as how they perceive the U.S. I tend to perceive the US more as an outsider than an American, and I tend to agree with their judgments. I'm trying to improve my perspective, but based on what other countries see, I'm concerned about our image. I intend to improve that image. It was worthwhile; because I was able to give a bit of perspective.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Pack half as many clothes, and bring twice as much money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Other
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 best part about the program was the comparison between American and Australian schools and culture.
  • Making friends at my school and assimilating into the culture.
  • The length of the programs allows me to have enough time with my students to really make a connection and teach and learn from them.
* What could be improved?
  • The cost of the program is completely out of reach for someone who doesn't have incredible family financial support.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know that I should have made a stronger connection more quickly with the teachers in my program, because the more people I met and spent time with, the more opportunities to spend time doing things around the area and city.