Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Maturing Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., St. Mary's College of Maryland) - abroad from 02/24/2014 to 06/20/2014 with

James Cook University - Townsville: Townsville - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot of independence and how different cultures can be from one another. It was 100% worthwhile and I learned a ton.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt like my lecturers were not very strong and I do not feel like I learned very much in class it was more on my own. Tutorials were beneficial but I would recommend for a semester abroad but not to get a full degree at after the classes I enrolled in.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were very helpful and nice

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived off campus finding my own housing

* Food:

I have never ate the dining hall food but heard it was awful but school restaurants are tasty

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel pretty integrated but wish the school had run more trips or excursions or could help with mingling with local students

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I do not know never had to use my healthcare up to this point

* Safety:

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)

I did not spend that much on food but trips cost a lot because it is just such a bog country

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? if you live off campus do not use a drying machine only hang dry, use air conditioning only when you absolutely need to. Split groceries with friends and buy what is on sale and when you eat out look for the specials. Also use your student discounts whenever possible.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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
  • location
* What could be improved?
  • classes
  • social events and interactions provided by program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That there would be very little help interacting with other students both international or local. The school set up events but unless you are very outgoing it is hard to meet people. They should set up trips or group bonding activites.

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 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.