An Aussie Good Time in the Land Down Unda! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The main difference between the Australian and American grading system is that in America you have more opportunities and assignments to show your understanding of the work and to see where your strengths and weaknesses are within the subject matter being studied. A large difference in the educational system is as follows: Australians are brought up as independent, driven, and focused students where as American students are more nurtured throughout their academic careers, they rely more on guidance and assistance. The Australian system is much more focused on test results and grades based on the few tests given throughout the semester. At the University of Hartford one is given an advisor, I was slightly disappointed that i did not have a specific academic advisor to whom i could approach with any questions, comments, or concerns. Although the study abroad advisor at Bond was incredibly kind and helpful, there was a limit to the help she could provide. Two of my professors at Bond were American which helped in feeling connected to home but was also a little disappointing as I wanted to truly be immersed into the Australian culture. I visited the student learning center but was only alloted a 30 minute time period per week. I would have appreciated more available assistance and an advisor to be able to a discuss a variety of topics with.

On-site administration of your program

The program was a lot of fun and had 90 american students which was a lot more than i was expecting. However this was a great way to know people on the campus and in the foreign country before arriving. I was very disappointed that AustraLearn never contacted us after we arrived at Bond. A farewell gathering and transportation to the airport after the semester ended would have been kind and helpful. An email at the end of the program at the very least would have been appreciated.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a house with 1 american girl, 2 danish guys, 1 german, and 1 australian guy as well. I could not have asked for a better location (10mins off campus in a neighborhood filled of friends) or asked for better housemates. However the internet connection was unacceptable and the managements hour of opperation could have been better as well. The internet only worked approximately 4 weeks out of my 4 months abroad and the neighborhood management worked 9am-12pm mon-friday.

Australian food does not taste the same as American!! It is very difficult to pin point exactly what the difference is, possibly a lack of spices? Whatever the difference is, the Americans could easily taste it! Also, dinning out in Australia is very strange compared to the speed of the service in America. In Australia one does not tip the waitstaff and free bread or free refills is unheard of!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The week before Bond with Australearn in Cairns had fun and memorable adventures for us each day.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt very safe. Australia is one of the safest countries!

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Select all that apply

• Other

Select all that apply

• Other

Select all that apply

• The week in Cairns
• All of the emails, phone calls, and pre departure conference

• the housing in Cairns
• contact post arrival