Australia, Oh How I Love You Past Review
By Stefanie W (Ecology, Evolution, and Animal Behavior, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) for
ISA Study Abroad in Townsville, Australia
I absolutely want to pursue a PhD in marine biology after taking classes in Australia. I also want to go move to Australia for a year and be in those surroundings again. This was one of the happiest times of my life, I truly fit in an Australian lifestyle. Studying abroad also made me feel like I could do anything I wanted with my life. Truly liberating!
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The Australian grading system is very different than the American. My grades for classes consisted of one final exam, and two essays. There was not "busy work" assignments throughout the semester and I had a lot of free time. If you are a good student in America, you will have no problem getting those A's in Australia with some effort and good study skills. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There was great support at James Cook, because it is a popular university for American students to study at. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with two Australians. We had our own bedrooms, but shared a bathroom and living room. I didn't get to socialize with them because they kept to themselves, they were medical students. |
| * Food: |
The dining hall food was not the best, and I found myself eating peanut butter sandwiches a lot, but I did get to experience some of their native fruits and Vegemite. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My trip to the Outback was my most memorable. I went with our Australian Vertebrate Fauna class and it was amazing. I also enjoyed sailing in the Whitsunday Islands and scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef. Fraser Island and diving with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef are on my bucket list for the next time I make it back to Australia. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I always felt safe. The Australians are very helpful and nice, but still have your smarts about you. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you are adventurous and want to dive into Australian culture, go for it! I can't wait to get back. I wish I would have stayed longer than a semester. |
