The australian dream Past Review
By Andres G (Psychology, Hamline University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Sydney, Australia
It was beyond worthwhile. I can not imagine my life without it. I am disappointed that not every student will have the opportunity to see what I have seen and discover themselves the way in which I did. I truely learned how unique each of us is. I am now much more motivated to pursue school and a career that will enable me to see the world and become a global citizen with unbreakable friendships.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I did not like the format of UNSW's grading system, classroom setup, or method of administering final evaluations. It was difficult for me to make the adjustment towards learning here as opposed to my home university. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Australearn supported me in finding houseing and tending to my student visas. I would not change anything about the program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with 15 girls and 15 guys in a very nice hostel that was reserved for the 5 months we were there. It was right on the beach which was simply amazing. |
| * Food: |
Australia takes pride in their food services so most of the things I ate were good. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I would not even know where to begin. There was beauty everywhere I looked. I adopted a mindset of do anything and try everything. I am terrified of heights and I jumped 14,000 feet out of a plane right over the australian coast.... amazing. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I was placed in a very safe neighborhood. Even if I had been in a more dodgy part of town I think I still would have felt safe. I also had student healthcare which was nice because I got really sick in the first month I was there. Otherwise there are no specific immunizations I needed for Australia but I did need a Typhoon shot for Fiji. |
| 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?
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? | GO! its incredible. Australearn organizes mostly everything for you and sets up the best week of your life when you first arrive. I mean scuba dive the great barrier reef, pet kangroos, feed aligators, and party like crazy without a care in the world. this is all very nice when you have no idea what to do in a new country. You get the full Australian experience right away and then slowly discover SO much on your own as time goes own. AMAZING> GO! |
