Life Changing Past Review

By (Valparaiso University) - abroad from 02/20/2012 to 06/24/2012 with

ISA Study Abroad in Brisbane, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that most people are not different from myself, but learning how other people think has helped me further understand myself. I learned that studying is very important as is the positives that come along with time management. This experience has taught me so much and I really want to set aside accounts so that my nieces and nephews can also get the chance to do what I have done.

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?

I lived in the CBD so I don't know what on campus housing was like

* Food:

I did buy my own food

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I found a niche that worked well for me.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The health care system is different here, but the healthcare that I was covered with was very helpful.

* Safety:

This country was one of the safest places that I have ever been. Just needed to use common sense.

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? like250, 200 for housing and 30 for transportation, 20 for food
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan out all your trips in advance, then you can see where you have a chance to spend funds and where need to cut your budget. Have all your money ready to go and try not to overspend your budget

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

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The chance to understand more cultures
  • the chance to beat stereotypes
* What could be improved?
  • Understanding the cost of living more
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That living is expensive