An Aussie Adventure: A once in a lifetime experience! Past Review
By Kristy B (Elementary Education, Marywood University) for
James Cook University - Townsville: Townsville - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Before coming to Australia, I never traveled outside of the U.S., let alone ever been on a plane. Coming here and being away from my family and my comfort zone, I learned a lot about myself. I know I can be independent and navigate through cities on my own. I feel more confident with my future aspiration of becoming a teacher because I feel I know have a better understanding of diversity and cultural awareness.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I did not like that only one test was given throughout the entire semester. It put a lot of pressure on me to do well on the final exam because that was the only aspect I was graded on. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Once again, I was hoping to get more help with my process of finding accommodation in Townsville. I think study abroad students should be given priority when it comes to on-campus accommodation. I had to find my own place to live with very little help from the host university. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I rented out a house with another american international student. Our house was too far to walk to the university and to the city, so we had to take the bus where ever we went. I had to buy my own sheets and pans for cooking. |
| * Food: |
I mainly shopped at Coles supermarket because they were the cheapest. Best place to go out to eat was Cactus Jack's (chocolate nachos were amazing!) |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I traveled to Melbourne and it's beautiful city and Magnetic Island which had amazing beaches . |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
N/A |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent roughly 50 dollars on food every week and 9 dollars each week for a weekly bus pass. The rest of my money was spent on traveling and going out on the weekends with friends. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The only unexpected expense I had was the bus fairs. I did not realize that I would have to take the bus everywhere I went. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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? | The experience is only as good as you make it. Come with an open mind and you will not be let down. |
