A New Outlook on Life Past Review
By Michael Kaplan (University of Rochester) - abroad from 02/15/2016 to 06/28/2016 with
IES Abroad: Sydney Direct Enrollment - University Of Sydney
Traveling to Australia was the first time I ever left the country and I grew a lot throughout my experience. I gained a profound interest in exploring the world and meeting new people. Throughout my schooling at Rochester, I had met many people throughout the world but nothing compares to actually traveling to a different country and meeting the locals there. I gained a greater appreciation for other cultures and ethnicities as I lived in a residence hall building along with 150 other students. This experience is 100% worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I enjoyed taking classes specifically related to the Australian Mining industry and Marine Life. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
IES Abroad was extremely helpful |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living in a residential building was the best decision I could have made. This allowed me to meet so many different locals. |
| * Food: |
I had a dinning hall meal plan so I did not eat out in the city as much as I would have liked to. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Australian's are very fun and the social life is exciting. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I had the best experience of my life living in Australia. I traveled all around the country and saw a lot but there is still so much that I was not able to do and I would love to go back and see everything I missed the first time. |
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) |
Sydney Australia was an expensive town to live in. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | plan ahead, get on a meal plan if possible. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Plan more trips earlier and budget money better. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
