Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A life-changing experience that I would recommend for all. Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 07/25/2016 to 11/18/2016 with

James Cook University - Cairns: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself on a social level. On an academic level, I got to try new subjects not offered in the States.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

James Cook University has a Student Center located in the center of campus. It is convenient in that you just talk with friendly staff about whatever concerns you may have.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The Cairns Student Lodge was located close to campus and included a dining hall, wifi, and general necessities. However, with new management, it is becoming more costly to live there and a lot of students are moving out for said reason.

* Food:

The food is good with a few options. However, as with most dining halls, it becomes the same 'ol same 'ol by the end of the semester. The staff are lovely though, and gave the lodge a homey feeling.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The classes made me feel integrated into how Australians learn, but where we lived did not. It was filled with mostly Americans, so it was harder to befriend locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Cairns is safe, and if there were troubles both the lodge and Uni handled any issue.

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

I would, as I loved Cairns. It was a great place to be, with warm weather and plenty to do.

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)

With food and lodging provided, it was easy to manage when and where to spend money. It was mostly for extra personal expenses and not anything that would have been fully necessary.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at the lodge, and avoid spending a lot of money on lunch or dinner. These are provided, and it will save you a lot of cash.

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?
  • Cairns as a place
  • Australians
  • Activities in Cairns
* What could be improved?
  • Integration with Australians versus Americans
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Australia is more expensive than America, so budgeting is important.

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!