Amazing Advetnure Through the Australian Outback Past Review
By Danielle H (Studio Art, Berry College) for
ISA Study Abroad in Melbourne, Australia
This was my second visit to Australia and it made me want to go to grad school here. I learned a lot from my professors and made some friends that I will never forget.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Because I enjoy photography so much and have a lot of experience in the area, this program wasn't very oppressive in terms of work load. We did a lot of work and produced a lot of photographs, but my group was amazing and we all had so much fun together while enrolled in the class. To me, there's nothing better than connecting personally with your professors and peers while getting field experience. |
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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? |
In town we stayed in different hostels in Melbourne and Mildura. While we were working out in the field, we stayed at a camp site. While camping, the professors and students all stayed in the same facility. |
| * Food: |
When we were out in the field, breakfast and dinner were provided for us. We had to shop before the trip for our own drinks and lunches. In town everyone went to the grocery store for their own meals or ate out. The hostel we stayed in did have a fridge, but there was definitely some limited space. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We got to hang out with a lot of locals while in town and while we were out photographing. In town, it was up to the individual to meet people but it definitely wasn't hard as almost everyone in town was very friendly and open. While we were out photographing, we stayed at a national park - the rangers were aboriginal and were very open to sharing stories and cultural perspectives. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Other than potentially getting lost or maybe slipping while hiking, there weren't really any safety dangers. If something were to happen though, equipment was readily available. And because it was winter, all of the venomous and poisonous critters weren't out and about. |
| 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) |
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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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Photographers, this program is a must! I can't describe how amazing this program was - both the classes and the free time were incredible and definitely immerse the student into the world of urban and rural Australia. If you go on this program, get out and explore on your free days. Mildura is very easy to get around and you can talk to anyone about anything. |
