An unforgettable experience. Past Review
By Megan D (Kinesiology, University of Rhode Island) - abroad from 02/09/2012 to 07/03/2012 with
ISA Study Abroad in Gold Coast, Australia
I am much more culturally aware being exposed to more cultures than just the American. I leaned that each country has its own set of social norms and how to deal with problems that my arise if there are conflicts because of cultural differences. I also learned a lot about myself, and grew because of the experiences I had. It was completely worthwhile and would give anything to do it all over again.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I decided to take a high level Spanish class to continue my minor and I wanted to see how Australian Spanish would be taught. I wasn't expecting to gain so much real world knowledge from this class or to greatly improve my Spanish. I also took an Australian History class and I learned a lot the country, which I think is important for all student studying abroad. |
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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? |
You have the option of living on campus, or finding accommodation elsewhere. The on campus housing wasn't the greatest, but if you want to meet tons of Australians and other international students it is the best place to live. |
| * Food: |
I didn't think the food in Australia would be so different. Prior to going, I'd never though about trying sushi, I'd never eaten a kabob, or knew what pavlova was. I started to try new foods, and tried some of the strangest but most delicious fruits. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I met tons of people from all over the world. I became really good friends with a few Aussies and went to places I don't think I would have know about. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Fortunately, I didn't get sick while I was abroad but I did have a friend that had an unfortunate experience. He had to have a pretty serious surgery, and he was treated very well. |
| * Safety: |
The village had security guards on site, no matter the day or time of night. If I was studying late at the university, I could have someone walk me back to my apartment. I never felt like my safety was being threatened. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
I had difficultly budgeting my expenses during the first month As time went on, I learned how much money I should be spending on necessities so that I would have enough money to go traveling. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50-100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Before you leave for your trip, look at how much money you are going to have, and try and budget how much you are willing to spend on food, clothing, traveling and other activities. You'd be surprised how quickly you can spend your money. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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? | I wish I knew to seriously budget my money so I would have brought enough to go on more excursions and visit more cities. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
