Looking forward to a return trip! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The lectures were huge, with literally hundreds of students filling a massive lecture hall, but the tutorial classes never had more than 20-30 students in the room. This is typical for introductory courses at UQ. It never felt like too much though and I had personal conversations with every professor at some point. My friends said their lectures weren't nearly as large though. Many of them were either taking upper level courses or courses in more obscure subjects like Aboriginal Art History. All interesting stuff.

On-site administration of your program

IFSA did a superb job making sure we all knew what to expect upon our arrival in Australia. We were met by our program advisors in Sydney for our orientation and the advisor for my area, Anne-Marie, always made herself available to at least message us. The adventure weekends were the best part!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Urbanest. I don't feel like I got to know as many Australians as I would have liked as the majority of the students there were also international. My other roommates were two students from China, one from France, and one American also studying with IFSA who I became very close with. We all had our own rooms and bathrooms, a nice kitchen, a living room area, and AC and Heat. The wifi though.... was atrocious.... no other way to put it. Be prepared to pay through the nose for data. The entire country is like this. You can get a limited amount of free wifi on campus at UQ or at the local library, coffee shops, etc.

Food was amazing! Not super different from the US but nothing is imported further than southeast Asia and even then, most everything is "Made in Australia" as it says on nearly every food label. So expensive though. Don't plan to stay on budget for food.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was hard living in Urbanest. Not many Aussies. I do suggest joining local clubs, volunteering, or participating in Urbanest events as much as possible. Also met a lot of people going out to clubs and bars.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Never felt unsafe at any time. People were pretty respectful, considering I'm a woman. The police usually only came around to handle people who were publicly intoxicated or disturbing the peace. My only suggestion is don't ever find yourself alone in Fortitude Valley, ever. It's a lot of fun but not worth the trouble you'll get if you don't have someone to watch out for you.

The experiences I had there were invaluable. I have so many memories I'll cherish forever. I learned so much that can't be taught in a class room or by staying close to home.

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

Easily spent $200/week on food and personal items. Going out is not cheap...

Select all that apply

• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• So many outdoorsy things to do
• Easy to travel around the country
• IFSA had great events

• A way to ease food/personal costs