Australia: I Love You! Past Review
By Jared K (Mechanical Engineering., Tufts University) for
IES Abroad: Sydney Direct Enrollment - University Of New South Wales
Going abroad was the best experience of my life. I cannot wait to get on another plane and go see another country. Going abroad taught me to relax, enjoy my life, and pursue my dreams.
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. |
It is difficult to adjust to a whole different grading system and teaching style for just one semester. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very nice and knowledgable. Incredibly helpful. They treat study abroad students extremely well. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in Myola in Coogee. It was loud, dirty, and out of control. The rooms were incredibly small. My roommate and I had to share a single desk and chair. Our room had no closet. |
| * Food: |
Food is very expensive in Australia. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Wonderful trip to Cairns. Plenty of wonderful dinners and cruises and other fun activities including Blue Mountains, and a surfing lesson. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The university has a very good safety system. |
| 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 tried very hard to limit myself to spending $100 per week, but this was extremely difficult. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just know that everything in Australia is nearly double, sometimes triple the price of things in the US. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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? | Be prepared to spend a lot less time on academics, and a lot more time on doing fun things. Start saving money as soon as possible. You will be treated extremely well. |
