A Semester Down Under Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work load could be tough at times with a lot of due dates clumped together, but so long as you put the effort in and don't procrastinate on everything you should be fine. The grading can be tough, it is not something you can really breeze through without a thought.

On-site administration of your program

In all honesty, I did not go to them at all while I was there. However, I never forgot they were there. Just about every week I got emails reminding me to come and call if I ever needed anything at all. There were study abroad get together lunches throughout the semester. I feel comfortable saying that if I did feel the need to see them, they would have been very helpful and accommodating.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had to buy food and some cleaning stuff but that was it. The area was nice and had a pretty view (in most rooms). The sheets came with the packet. It was about a 15 minute walk from class but that was just because of where all of my classes were. to get on campus was about 5 minutes. 15 minute walk to where you could take a bus to get to just about anywhere (nightlife, convenience stores, mall, etc)

Some things were just not the same, the peanut butter was terrible there. Bond had a few food places on campus and I was told that besides being a bit expensive the food was pretty good. Since my place wasnt technically on campus I had to get food for myself because I didnt have a meal plan. I lived off of pasta (no exaggeration)because it was cheap and filling. They did have fast food places like McDonald's and Hungry Jacks aka Burger King. Woolworths was a nice cheap supermarket where I did the majority of my shopping, there were other ones as well. Again buss transport can get you just about anywhere and it is also pretty cheap with a Go Card which you can buy on campus.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My favorite was definitely scuba diving at the great barrier reef. It was one of the most amazing things that I have ever done. Though I didn't actually do it with my program I also highly enjoyed my Mardi Gras weekend in Sydney. There was a program offered through the school to go down, but me and a few friends did it on our own.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I think for the most part the area I was in was relatively safe. I mean a lot of it is don't be stupid. Follow basic rules of safety like don't go certain places on your own and you should be fine. I took the bus to the mall and to other places on my own plenty and I never felt threatened. The only medical need I had was to renew birth control and they had a doctors office right on campus, though you do need to make sure you make an appointment a few days in advanced.

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

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• Apartment

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