Loved every minute of it Past Review

By A student (Trinity University) - abroad from 02/15/2016 to 06/26/2016 with

IFSA: Brisbane - University of Queensland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned heaps about the social structure and history of Australia as well as the unique plants and animals on that continent. I learned just as much about myself and would definitely consider it worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks

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?	Great location, but living conditions were fairly low. Satisfaction would probably rely heavily on random roommates, of which mine were very dirty and created a situation that was sub optimal. Also very expensive considering the quality of the rooms and the space.
* Food:	As a vegan there were many options that were not complete meals or were completely lacking parts of the meal, when the program provided food. Perhaps discount the rate for people with dietary requirements so that they can supplement the program meals in order to remain healthy.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes I loved the city of Brisbane and the community of friends that I met and became a part of.

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)	Australia is just more expensive than the US.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Make your own food, don't eat out every meal. In Australia alcohol is very expensive so budget more for alcohol than for food per week if you plan on going out once or twice a week.

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	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?	Location Orientation Cultural Events
* What could be improved?	Dietary options Communication before the start of the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Exactly how expensive everything is in Australia and a guide to the markets in Brisbane.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Australia's Marine Environment
Course Department:	Marine Science
Instructor:	Dr. Selina Ward
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Incredibly rewarding class that involved incredible field trips to the Great Barrier Reef and Moreton Bay to learn first hand about the marine biology of Australia.
Credit Transfer Issues: