Study Abroad Program in Sydney Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really liked the University of New South Wales. My best advice is not to take all the classes that other American students take. Branch out and take something with Australians, you learn a lot more that way.

On-site administration of your program

The program director in Sydney is a great guy and the administration before we left was very helpful. My only critique is that they sometimes aren't great about responding to emails and phone calls and letting you know about activities in advance.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a residential college at the University of New South Wales. It's like a dorm but with a much more intimate feel. It's almost like Harry Potter. We had a dining hall that we shared with other residential colleges, competed in sports against other residential colleges and had lots of planned activities. We had an all college meeting every sunday night and the living arrangements were really nice. I had a single with a sink in it that was a comfortable size. There were no doubles. <br /><br /> I was right on campus which was really convenient. It was still easy to get into the city from where I lived too.

The dining hall did not have great food except on formal nights and when they had left overs from formal dinners. The meals also got quite repetitive.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had an amazing time with my residential college, they really showed me how to have a great time. I also love exploring Sydney and traveling with my IES friends as well. IES organized the best mid-semester field trip. We flew to Cairns, spent 2 nights on a dive boat on the great barrier reef, 2 nights in the Daintree Rainforest and 2 nights in Cairns itself. The whole trip cost us $500 US including airfare, all meals, all accomodations and many of the activities (the scuba diving and one free day was not included). IES also organized dinners and a trip to an Aussie Rules Football game for us. Orientation also included some meals and activities around Sydney. Typically IES also includes a trip to the Sydney Opera House.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never felt unsafe in Sydney like I do in many US cities. I walked around at night with just one other friend and was never bothered. I was catcalled and other things a few times but that was the worst of it. I also never locked my door at uni and it was never a problem. Healthcare was easily accessible at UNSW since they had a health clinic complete with eye care and dentistry and the hospital was just up the street for more dire emergencies. The health insurance provided through IES covered all health costs except prescriptions which was great.

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

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• Dorm

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• Local Students