Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

St. Mark's College is the place to be as an International in Townsville Past Review

By (Biology and Art, Trinity University) - abroad from 04/08/2013 to 11/19/2012 with

IFSA: Townsville - James Cook University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely worthwhile. Future students, do not get yourself sucked into a group of strictly international or American friends. Do everything you can to put yourself in situations to meet locals, that's what the best experience of being abroad is.

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?

* Food:

* 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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Pregame, don't buy alcohol at bars.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • The people I met
* What could be improved?
  • Make Australia CHEAPER
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Expect to change the way you think about different groups of people.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'