Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A life-changing experience that allowed me to find myself. Past Review

By (Nutrition and Kinesiology, Kansas State University) - abroad from 08/26/2014 to 12/14/2014 with

ISA Study Abroad in Gold Coast, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned valuable life experience traveling alone and met people that inspired my life. I found my interests and became a better person in all aspects. It was an experience that I wish I could relive every day.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes at this university were more difficult than I was expecting. There was not much coursework and the assignments were weighted heavily.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I chose to live in a studio apartment, which was not what I was expecting it would be. The descriptions and pictures did not accurately represent the living arrangements. If I would do it again, I would choose to live in on campus housing.

* Food:

The university's cafeteria was expensive, didn't have very healthy or a wide variety of options.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not encounter any issues, but the resources were readily available.

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe in my city, so I often walked alone. ISIS was a threat when I was in Australia, and the national government kept us updated through emails.

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)

Food and drinks were very expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Prepare for about $5000 at the least. Traveling is expensive and you need to be financially stable!

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

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Orientation
  • Community support.
  • Advising
* What could be improved?
  • More excursions/events
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The cost of living.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'