Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 02/05/2017 to 06/17/2017 with

ISA Study Abroad in Townsville, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself while I was abroad. I learned that I can be independent, but that having friends around you is always important. I also learned that I thrive on adventure and exploring new places. I have the travel bug now and I can't wait until I can go back to Australia to visit my friends and go to other countries to explore them as well. It was 100% worthwhile and it was a dream. Absolutely amazing.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were great! My professors were always willing to meet with me and help me understand any of the assignments that we were given. My classes were very writing intensive, but there were few assignments. While the finals are worth quite a bit, they were fairly easy to prepare for as they only covered the most important concepts covered in class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in University Hall (Uni Hall). They just updated everything so the dorm building has wifi and air conditioning, which is much needed in the heat of summer in Australia. Uni Hall is known for being a little loud on the weekends, so that was an adjustment, but it was well worth it. I met some of the best people ever in Uni Hall. You don't have roommates, so you make friends with your hall mates. It really is a great atmosphere.

* Food:

The food was amazing towards the end of the semester when the school changed who catered. They have a lot of healthy options as well as fresh fruit at every meal.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is hard to make friends with Australian students, because as study abroad students, we become friends then leave and it makes them sad. I made friends with only a couple of Australians and mostly Americans. But I wouldn't change anything. Those friends I did make are friends for life.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I went to Bali without getting my vaccinations prior to leaving. My friends were able to get their vaccinations for the trip. I got a little sick towards the end of the semester and having a clinic right on campus was amazing. It was a short walk from my dorm.

* Safety:

Overall, I felt safe walking through campus and downtown in the city. I would suggest that if you do venture out to clubs or bars that you always go with somebody. Some areas are more well lit than others.

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

ISA was amazing in terms of preparing as well as resources available once we were in Australia. Lou (our Aussie mom as we all call her) was always there when we needed her for school or just a chat.

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 was lucky enough to have my parents help me while I was abroad. I went on more weekend trips than planned, so my budget was tighter than I thought it was going to be. I spent roughly $50AUD a week going out and buying snacks and the like. For trips, I spent roughly $1500AUD over the whole experience. I wish I had saved more, as I didn't hit everything on my list.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50AUD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save as much as you can as long as you can. I worked everyday possible over my winter break and only spent money on gas to get to and from work. Save, and try to limit your spending while you are home.

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?
  • Traveling
  • The people I met and interacted with
  • The classes I was able to take
* What could be improved?
  • The noise policies at JCU
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew just how hard it would be to come home. I did not miss home while I was in Australia, but now that I am home I miss Australia more than words can describe.

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!