Livin the Dream Past Review
By candice d (EDUCATION., Point Loma Nazarene University) - abroad from 02/08/2013 to 06/21/2013 with
ISA Study Abroad in Gold Coast, Australia
I am so glad i studied abroad and would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Not a day goes by that I don't think about my time in Australia. I gained a sense of independence and I no longer have any fear of the unknown. Globalinks was a huge factor in my amazing experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes were very manageable. You're pretty much accountable for how much you want to put into the class. Lectures are once a week and then you have a "tut" (tutorial) once a week which is a smaller group setting. |
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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? |
Lived with international students. I opted to lived in the village and it was awesome! Always something going on. Wish i would have had better roommates though |
| * Food: |
You have to make all your own food because there is no meal plan options. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Definitely got out and explored the local hotspots. Get to know the locals! they're amazing and so kind and just want to show you a great time |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no health issues while abroad. |
| * Safety: |
As a girl abroad, I always felt safe. Be sure to practice the buddy system when you go out though! |
| 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) |
Australia is VERY expensive. minimum wage is $20 so everything is about twice as much as it would be here in the US. You have to buy all your own food too so make sure you keep that in mind. Also be sure to bring enough money to travel!! |
| 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? | at grocery stores find what's on sale for the week! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 10+ |
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? | BRING A RAIN JACKET!!! it rained heaps while i was there and i unfortunately was not prepared for the torrential downpours. Who knew it was supposed to rain in paradise?!! Also, bring more money than you expect to spend. Create a budget of the trips you want to go on now so you can plan ahead before you even go down unda. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
