Australia=Best Decision I Have Ever Made Past Review
By Michelle M (Film/Video and Photographic Arts., Ithaca College) for
IES Abroad: Sydney Direct Enrollment - University Of New South Wales
I have gained a more global perspective and have grown more independent.
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. |
The work load was less because more emphasis is placed only on a few exams, essays, or projects. It was a good experience to take classes in a different system than I was used to. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was placed into a group residence in Coogee Beach. It was set up kind of like dorms. Bedding, furniture, cookware, internet, and cable were provided. The location was great and I always felt safe. |
| * Food: |
I mostly cooked my own meals and occasionally got takeaway food. Depending on the item, groceries can cost somewhat more than they cost in the US. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
IES arranged a mid-semester trip to Cairns and Cape Tribulation, where we snorkeled/scuba dived the Great Barrier Reef, went to an Aboriginal cultural dinner, hiked through the Daintree Rainforest, ziplined, and went on a river cruise. IES also arranged an event each month which included a surfing lesson and an AFL game.I |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe. Like in any city, use common sense though. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget out enough money for travel and weekends. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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