Flinders University in Australia helped me gain more independence, confidence, and strength! Past Review
By Mary F (PSYCHOLOGY., Presbyterian College) for
Flinders University: Adelaide - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My experience was definitely worthwhile. There were some times that were definitely challenging, but they all helped give me more confidence and independence as well as adding to the amazing experience. I am definitely more culturally aware of the people around me, but my future plans have not really changed.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program offered a few trips but I would suggest having a few more. Overall, there were not many things offered for International students other than an occasional day trip. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was in a good location on campus and it was easy to get to other places around the city. I had to pre-order a linen pack before I arrived. There were a lot of nightlife opportunities, but not much variety in their nightlife. It was a big party scene a lot of the time, and I would have liked a little less parties. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was able to see NZ as well as other parts of Australia. It was absolutely beautiful and an incredible experience. Some of the trips that I was able to go on with the International Students office helped me see the Adelaide area that I would not be able to see alone. I would have loved to see more of Australia though. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The city and country were overall pretty safe. I would suggest not taking public transportation alone at night, but during the day hours I felt safe. I did not have any health issues come up. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I probably spent about 10-15 dollars on food and personal expenses per week once averaging in the weekend meals. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I had to buy and make my own food on the weekends and was not expecting that. Also, everything is on average a couple dollars more expensive here (not including the currency rate difference). |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would say go into the whole experience with an open mind. Also, an adventurous and outgoing person would most likely benefit the most from this program. |
