Greatest Semester ever 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?
This semester/trip was absolutely worth while. I am so grateful for everything I got to learn and see. I really strengthened friendships and created memories that I will have forever. While abroad, you learn a lot about yourself. I learned that i am much stronger than I thought I was. I also learned that the small stuff does not matter. Family means everything. I got an internship while abroad and I learned so much from the internship too (not just about what I was working with, but with people/culture/history of AU too).

Review Photos

ISA Study Abroad in Townsville, Australia Photo ISA Study Abroad in Townsville, Australia Photo

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.

I have never liked my university classes so much! I was doing hands on research that interested me. I went to a research base where only scientists/academic programs are allowed to go to! I got to work/learn from professors that are so dedicated. Adapting to the Australian way of teaching is slightly difficult.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My on site administrator at James Cook was incredible! She was always there to lend a helping hand or give a advice/hug when you missed home! She really made me feel comfortable being in a different country. I could not say a bad thing about her.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was okay! I stayed in an apartment style which was super nice! I had my own room and shared a common area and bathroom with two roomates. I really enjoyed not being in a dorm setting. It allowed me time to decompress or have a super quiet area to do homework when I needed it. I decided to live in George Roberts (apartments) and pay the extra money because there was AirCon (AC) andwas a little disappointed when all the dorms ended up having AC.

* Food:

Food was not great, especially in my dining hall, but other halls were slightly better. Food always consisted of curry with either rice/potatoes. There were always a few options, but hard for people with lactose allergies. Food at the beginning of the semester was great, but we repeatedly had raw meats.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Getting integrated was actually pretty hard. Australians are super nice, but it was hard to make a lot of friends with them knowing you were there for only 1 semester. There is sport options, where a lot of my friends met people, but unfortunately, they did not interest me. It really depends on who you ask. I made friends with a lot of Americans/other internationals... but I know plenty of Americans who have very close Australian friends now.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health care was decent! I went to the doctor twice, and insurance covered one visit (second was a dive medical). The only thing insurance didnt help with was medications I was already on in the US and needed refills for in AU (pre-existing condition).

* Safety:

Learn the safety issues in your area. During the day in town and anytime on campus I felt safe. Some places at night in Townsville are not safe at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I really hope to return to JCU - Townsville for grad school

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)

I did not set up a formal budget. But I did spend more than I wanted to.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Actually make a budget of how much you want to spend on food/drink per week/month.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* 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?
  • Freedom
  • Oppertunity to travel
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Communications with the USA ISA office
  • First few days at JCU before local students returned
  • Planning of ISA trips with JCU field trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I truly would spend as much money as I did. I also wish I made the effort to become closer friends with the international students.