Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

IFSA provides fun, safety, and support! Past Review

By (Washington and Lee University) - abroad from 02/12/2019 to 06/30/2019 with

IFSA: Townsville - James Cook University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The most worthwhile. I gained life long friends, travel experience, personal growth, and valuable academic lessons.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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

IFSA provides the best support for students academically and socially and assists financially as well. I appreciate the on campus advisors, as a local advisor is important to have in troubling situations.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? My financial aid traveled with me, but I paid out of pocket for expenses such as off campus food, travel, bar tabs, etc. Some advice that I gave to students the other night at a study abroad $$$ panel 1. Plan ahead for travel or sightseeing, see if you can book in advance and use student discounts. A lot of places will take student IDs and give nice discounts! Always carry that ID. 2. If you go on a night out, try not to use your credit card, but bring cash and limit how much cash you bring. It’s easier to keep track of how much physical cash you are spending. 3. Call your bank in advance and chat about best ways to avoid bank fees. Some cards are more widely accepted than others and some have heftier transaction fees. 4. Don’t keep all your $ in the same place —especially in countries that are infamous for pick pocketing. 5. Invest in experiences, not stuff! I’m glad I had the opportunity to do new things and I’m glad I saved towards those experiences. You only study abroad once (usually) so make the most of it by saving for one nice thing!

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
  • 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?
  • student support
  • hands on learning
  • adventure opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • class registration process
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The amount of local influence that you have the opportunity to gain --jump into the local culture!

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.