Soemthing I wouldn't trade the world for Past Review

By (Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 02/08/2018 to 06/15/2018 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 and to spend my time wisely because I'm only in that place for so long until it was time to come back to America. I learned to focus on people who appreciate spending time with me.

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.

It was definitely different, not much harder but hard to get use to. Less assignments but the assignments require more work and time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our on-site coordinator was awesome, friendly, and easy to talk to.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very pleased! We each got our own balcony at Uni-hall and I made so many friends because you live so closely with each other but everyone gets there own room so you can escape everyone when you need want to be alone.

* Food:

The food was tolerable but I wouldn't recommend it. It was all the same every single week and I just got really tired of it. It was always some type of lamb slop with undercooked or overcooked rice and unseasoned vegetables.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with the culture, especially with all the events that the university puts on.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues but I liked what was provided incase I did need assistance.

* Safety:

Not once did I feel unsafe.

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

It wasn't perfect but I still enjoyed every minute

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 spent a lot of money each week but that's because I wanted a lot of things that I didn't really need. So, I guess that it is very easy but I could've saved more of my money for other stuff.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? anywhere from $100-$200 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to hold off on buying things that you want and focus on things that you need and only go out to eat once in a while.

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?
  • Excursions
  • Living Arrangements
  • City
* What could be improved?
  • Dining Hall Food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that are school was 30 minutes away from the beach and that I would have to take a bus. The school advertised it as being on the beach and it was not.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.