Australia: the time of your life Past Review
By Julian R (Marketing., Western Washington University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Sydney, Australia
My experience abroad was absolutely worthwhile. I learned so much in Australia, both about its culture and people and about myself. This experience has taught me to put myself out there more and not be afraid to try new things. It has also been invaluable in showing me what's important in life. Being abroad has given me a new perspective on my academic endeavors and has even furthered my interest in my major by expanding it to a global level.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Courses were laid in out very differently from courses in the US. Grading is also very different so you can't really apply traditional grading models from the US to how the Australian professors grade. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our only contact with the program administration in the host country was our one week cultural orientation at the beginning of the program. It was a great atmosphere to meet other study abroad students and was a pretty good introduction to the Australian culture. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The Sydney University Village was in a great location. It was very close to class and in a good neighborhood. I lived with both Australian students, other American students, study abroad students from around the world. The apartments are nice enough and it's a good community to live in while studying abroad. |
| * Food: |
Living in the Sydney University Village we had to cook our own meals or eat out. There are easily accessible stores close by and tons of restaurants within a few blocks. Very easy to find gluten free food too if you're on a gluten free diet like I am. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Travelling to Byron Bay and soaking up the Australian beach-town surf culture was definitely one of the highlights of my time in Australia. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
There was never a time in Sydney when I didn't feel safe, even walking around at night. I did have to use the local healthcare system because of an injury I received playing soccer. There is a hospital just down the street from the Sydney University Village, however you have to wait forever to be seen and make sure you have your overseas health insurance card and your passport or else they'll make you pay way too much. It's also excruciatingly difficult to process a claim with the overseas health insurance company to get reimbursed for hospital payments. |
| 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) |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student who isn't afraid to put themselves out there and dive headfirst into a surprisingly different culture would benefit most from this program. You can't be afraid to try new things and meet all kinds of new people, and you have to have a sense of humor because the Aussies are absolutely hilarious. As far as words of wisdom go, just make sure to learn as much about the culture as you can and see as much of the country as possible. |
