Past Review
By Stevie (Psychobiology, Simmons College) for
ISA Study Abroad in Gold Coast, Australia
I wish I could be back in Gold Coast with all of the friends that I made so it was definitely worthwhile. I made friends that I will have for the rest of my life and I wouldn't trade that for anything. I am kind of a homebody and I think study abroad really broke me out of my shell and taught me that I am independent.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I took an Italian course while in Australia and that was kind of tough because they have their own words for things that are different than english so often times while studying vocab words I would have to memorize then and associate then not just to American-English words but to Australian-English words. That made the course a little more challenging. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
AustraLearn was amazing. They make things so simple for you by giving you a check list of all the things that need to be accomplished. It is toally fool proof. It is a lot of work getting ready for study abroad and I couldn't have done it without the assistance of AustraLearn. They are so organized! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I went over to Australia with about 30 other American students who all decided not to do prearranged housing. We all decided to live on the beach and commute to school rather than the other way around. It worked out wonderfully for all of us. We all ended up with amazing apartments and it wasn't that hard to find. It took us all about a week to find a place. Prices were not bad either. |
| * Food: |
I enjoyed the food in Australia I think because I made my own. Everyone says the restaurants arne't that good and I didn't go out to eat all that much but I never had a problem when I did. I really enjoyed cooking in Australia because their food is very fresh and much healthier than in states. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Amazing, I love Australia. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I had to go to the Doctors once and we were given OSHC cards and we were supposed to be reimbursed for the appointment but it was quite a process to do so. I heard that if you went to the doctor on campus they wouldn't charge you personally they would deal with OSHC. That is much easier than what I went through |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
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Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Although we speak the same language as Australians there are some differences. I feel that I am much more aware of other countries now and less ignorant in terms of language and culture. |
Other Program Information
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The Gold Coast is the best locations. It is centrally located so you're only a quick plane ride from Sydney or the Great Barrier Reef. You get to live on one of the prettiest beaches in the whole world. It is easy living mixed with city. It is the perfect balance! |
