Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Exploration into the Amazing Country of Australia Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 02/04/2017 to 06/17/2017 with

ISA Study Abroad in Townsville, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so many skills from being abroad. I learned how to travel by myself, function independently in large city settings, and basically set up a new life for myself in a new and foreign place. I now have a lot more confidence in myself that I can start over in new settings, and I can adapt to new situations a lot better. This experience was definitely worth it. I had so much fun, and saw so many new places. One of the most rewarding parts of it, were the people (locals, Americans, and other internationals) that I met.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

ISA provided many resources for students to use. And students were well aware of those resources. The school itself, James Cook University, also provided many resources for students to utilize. The studies at James Cook University were also very intense. It required a lot of time management and dedication to wanting to achieve good grades while being abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was living in a dormitory with other international and Australian students. I loved living in this housing style, as I met other students from other countries, as well as local Australians.

* Food:

I signed up for a dining plan, and for the most part the dining hall food was good. Some days it was not very good though.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were many Americans where I was staying, so there were many opportunities to exclude yourself from the local culture. But I felt pretty integrated in the local culture because I made friends with the Australians that lived on my floor. I also participated in many different Australian activities and events going on.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city was pretty safe. I only struggled with learning that in Australia, pedestrians do not have the right of way. I was not made aware of this fact, and found out by almost being run over a couple of times.

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)

Australia was really expensive, even more so than what I am used to in the states. But if you make smart choices about what activities you want to participate in, then you can save some money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The excursion to Magnetic Island
  • Meeting new people
  • How organized it was from the very beginning of my process of studying abroad.
* What could be improved?
  • Some of the excursions while in Australia could be different.
  • The ISA student portal could be laid out in an easier manner.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be afraid to ask questions to the ISA advisors and coordinators before leaving for Australia. There is no question that is not worth asking. I also wish I knew a couple of things about the culture in Australia, specifically their drinking culture and their law about pedestrians not having the right of way.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!