Same Language, Different Culture Past Review
By A student (Saint Leo University) - abroad from 09/13/2017 to 12/15/2017 with
International College of Management, Sydney / ICMS: Sydney - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained an appreciation for ecotourism, a love for exploration of nature and different cultures. It was worth while too as it helped me develop as an independent traveler.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The education was well structured as it was hands on, the teachers shared personal experiences, but mostly as we were required to teach ourselves and apply the information we learned on written exams. |
Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $30 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Go to the market place, "flea shops" to buy affordable, yet adorable souvenirs. If possible avoid tourist areas when buying souvenirs, as they are expensive. If in Sydney, buy them at Paddy's market, and hunt for the best bargain, recommend the back of the store for discount prices. Sunday is the best day to ride to ferry as it is cheaper than Monday-Saturday. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
There are international students, who spoke French, German and etc. and it was encouraged to learn their naive language. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 2 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Mingle among the students who speak different languages and allow your brain and ears to adapt to it. Practice speaking few phrases with the international students. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I was to provide my own transportation from my host university to the airport. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
