Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Semester Down Under Past Review

By (Marine Sciences, University of Maine at Orono) for

ISA Study Abroad in Townsville, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I enjoyed learning about life in another country, and it was particularly interesting for me as a science major to see animals and marine life that we don't have in the U.S.

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.

Instead of assessments throughout the semester, there are a couple of papers and a final exam. While it seems you have a lot of time to do your work, if you don't keep up with the reading from early on in the semester, it can be difficult to catch up at the end.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The International Affairs office was welcoming and helpful. They expedited the scheduling process during orientation week.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

ongoing partying atmosphere; frequently loud bedding/towel package provided safe environment

* Food:

There was not enough food served, and what was served was of poor quality. Food poisoning occurred several times. Students were also frequently hungry. I would not recommend getting a meal plan at JCU Townsville. I had to (expensively) supplement my diet with food from the grocery store and the local Subway restaurant. Other students I knew who shopped and cooked for themselves had a better, more economical experience.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

AustraLearn plans a one week culture adventure program when you first arrive in the country, but mine was cut short by Cyclone Yasi.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Students get a lot of advice about sun exposure and local poisonous creatures ranging from mosquitoes to jellyfish, and this advice needs to be strictly followed. There is a hospital with a clinic right on campus. I went there for a dive physical, and the staff was very helpful. In the town itself, there is crime. Students need to be careful, particularly late at night. The local newspaper, the Townsville Bulletin, will give you a sense of the challenges the community faces.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? In addition to the meal plan (a couple thousand dollars for the semester), I spent another 40-50 Australian dollars a week on food. I had a student bus pass, so traveling around was not expensive.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would recommend buying things like shampoo, soap, sunscreen, mosquito spray, batteries, school supplies, etc. in the U.S. and filling luggage with these items, which are very expensive in Australia, instead of bringing too many clothes.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • location; expertise of faculty; international recognition of marine science program
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you are interested in marine sciences and want a hand-on experience (completely unlike most American universities) with leaders in the field, JCU Townsville is a good place for you. I was able to take advantage of the proximity of the campus to the Great Barrier Reef and participate in several diving trips. The university classes build in several field trips, including one to the Orpheus Island Research Station. These are experiences I never would have had if I had not studied at JCU Townsville.