Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Unforgettable Adventure Past Review

By (Computer and Information Sciences, Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 02/21/2015 to 06/28/2015 with

IES Abroad: Sydney Direct Enrollment - University Of Sydney

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained independence and self awareness. This experience was definitely worthwhile; I was able to grow as a person and learn so much about myself.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Sydney - University of Sydney Photo IES Abroad: Sydney - University of Sydney Photo IES Abroad: Sydney - University of Sydney Photo IES Abroad: Sydney - University of Sydney Photo IES Abroad: Sydney - University of Sydney Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

University of Sydney is seen as an Ivy League type school over in Australia. Therefore, the classes are held at a higher standard than what I was used to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Wish I lived with a mix of Australians and Americans instead of just Americans.

* Food:

No meal plan, apartment style living.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The GP at the university was very helpful. The medicine variety wasn't as plentiful as it is in the states though.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $75 give or take
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Walk to extra distance to go to the cheap grocery store (Coles and Woolworths). Also you can find great deals at Aldi.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Community
  • Available trips (day and week trips)
  • Advisors were extremely helpful
* What could be improved?
  • Living arrangements
  • Give a "cheat sheet" for navigating the public transit
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The education level is held at a higher standard over there. University of Sydney is considered a "commuter school" Closest beach take 45 minutes on public transit

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.