Best Experience of my life! Past Review
By Caty S (University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 07/23/2012 to 07/01/2013 with
La Trobe University: Melbourne - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I realized that there is so much of the world to learn that you can't learn in the classroom. In a year, I've learned so much about myself and the world that I never thought possible. Definitely worth my while.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
More organization and a better introduction of the school system to students would have enhanced the experience |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It's a great place to meet others and become submersed into the culture. You get your own room, but also have to share with 39 other people. Things got a bit messy and hectic at times. |
| * Food: |
I cooked for myself, and grocery costs can add up. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Living on campus, I met really close Australian friends who took me home to their hometowns for holidays and 21st birthday parties. I also worked at a local golf park, helping me to integrate even further. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Sometimes can have insurance hassles with the incorrect receipts or something might not be covered. To get free healthcare, you can end up waiting hours at the hospital before being seen. |
| * Safety: |
Never felt unsafe, even on my own in the city and in Bundoora |
| 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) |
Groceries were approximately $50/week plus other random purchases. I recommend getting a job so you can travel and get things you need and want. Extra money is always a good thing, and your visa allows 20/week during school, which is achievable. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Get a job, shop sales, join a cooking group with flatmates where you cook dinner only one night a week for group, purchase a concession card for public transport if you qualify. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I would need to get a job to cover expenses and that the university isn't as close to the city as I thought (up to an hour by tram). |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
