Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Lots of scuba diving Past Review

By (Biology, General., Austin College) - abroad from 02/11/2013 to 06/22/2013 with

IFSA: Brisbane - University of Queensland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained independence and the ability to navigate in foreign places.

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:

Very Expensive

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had problems receiving my insurance card

* 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)

Everything in Brisbane is 3 to 4 times as expensive. If you use the public transport system instead of walking or go to bars you can very easily spend $300 a week

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Walking instead of taking the bus when possible. Go to markets for sales on food and clothes.

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
  • International Students
* 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?
  • the Adventure Weekend
  • Orientation
* What could be improved?
  • Class advising
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive it is to live in Australia and how it puts a time crunch on preparing applications for graduate school and preparing for the GRE

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!