Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

"Summer" in Sydney Past Review

By (Adelphi University) - abroad from 06/06/2017 to 07/18/2017 with

IES Abroad: Sydney - Study Australia Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
IES field trips were really amazing and taught us more about the culture then we would ever have learned in a classroom. These field trips took us to all the places you think of in Sydney like Botanical Gardens, Sydney Opera House, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Royal National Park . But theses field trips took my class and i to places I probably wouldn't have gone on my own like the Hyde Park Barracks where we got to sit in the "dorms" and explore what it was like to be a criminal living there. The craziest IES field trip of all was the Outback. I would have never thought to camp in Uluru for 5 days alone. I was scared and bugs and mice and dingos! Looking back, this was an awesome week filled with new experiences and learning about aboriginal culture. My favorite part about this field trip were the stars. In class we also learned about leaders and the history of Australia while also learning leadership skills to make us better leaders.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Did not deal with an issue so unsure

* Safety:

Never felt unsafe

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

My summer spent down under was nothing short of perfect. The IES program was absolutely perfect for me since i was a collegiate athlete and was not allowed to miss a semester. When i got there the nerves ran high put from the second i met our advisor Kate at the airport, i knew there was nothing to worry about. She was so welcoming and happy, really made me excited to get to orientation later that day. Our RA was amazing and helped us get to know everything we needed to know about the city in just the first couple of days. The apartment, Adina Hotel, was impeccable. I couldn't have asked for a cleaner and safer place to be. We were also right near central station, making traveling and exploring an easy walk away. Overall, my experience was so amazing. I made awesome friends, learned an awesome culture and also traveled on my own on the weekends, before and after, the program.

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)

Sydney was a very expensive city. While cooking food at apartment would be cheaper, there were so many places and cafes i wanted to try!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save money so you dont have to worry as much while you are abroad!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

English Speaking Country

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Level 4
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Doesnt really pertain to my trip. However while in Indonesia and Thailand almost everyone luckily spoke english. Both pretty hard languages to pick up so that was helpful

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

  • Americans
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?
  • Outback Field Trip
  • Leadership Skills (in class)
  • Hands on experiences (field trips)
* What could be improved?
  • class times- make easier to travel on the weekends
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Go in with an open mind and you will enjoy your time. I am happy i did this

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.