Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

TAKE ME BACK! Past Review

By (Biology, General., Providence College) for

ISA Study Abroad in Brisbane, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think I have made it obvious how obsessed I am with my program and how much I love Australia- I have defintely gained new perspectives and matured significantly. Everyone told me going abroad would change my life and I can honestly say that is an understatement. My academic plans havn't changed much but I know now I want to travel and see more of the world.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Workload was not as much per night/week as PC- we only would have a midterm, final and usually a paper in the middle... fewer grades. The grading system was numerical- eg a 6 or 7= A, 5=B ect. The grading was harder but for example a 75% and above was equivilant to an A in the American System.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I liked all the organizers in Australearn. They were very knowledgeable about Australia and led a great orientation.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved Urbanest and South Bank. It is a great location, close to the city and a 10 min bus ride to campus. Australearn provided us with sheets and cookware which was very convienent.

* Food:

I didn't have a meal plan so I spent a significant ammount of money on groceries and eating out. I LOVED south bank for eating out- they have GREAT restaurants. Go to Grill'd- best chain in Australia. Mado's, Amici's- student nights on Monday nights $5 pizza- GREAT DEAL. on campus- Red Room is great to hang out after class and they have the best chips.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

See Above* GREAT BARRIER REEF= BEST and cairns in general was amazing.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The only experience I had with health care was when I came home from Bali and had Bali belly- I went to the UQ health center and the nurses were so nice and comforting. I was very happy with their care.

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? Australearn didn't tell us we needed to pay to take the bus to class- which ended up being $1.50 per trip. That was kind of annoying because I hadn't included that in my expected spending.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

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  • Local Students
  • International Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

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A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Travel Travel Travel. MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY. meet as many people you can and make sure to really branch out of your comfort zone. Don't regret anything and try to think positively about things that weren't your favorite or didn't go as planned such as a bad trip- think of it as part of the experience. appreciate every moment you have to learn new things and see new perspectives because it will FLY by. I am jealous of you!! I wish I could go back every day and relive my experience. Be adventurous and live in the moment!