Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Past Review

By (Management, SUNY - Binghamton) for

Macquarie University: Sydney - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was the best experience of my life. It was a great transition semester to see how studying abroad would be. It has caused me to already start planning my next experience.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Macquarie University
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2010

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

If I could choose my classes again, I would only take classes based on my major and minors. I would not take general education classes.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was the closest to American dorms that this university offered. I stayed in Dunmore Lang College. Each person has their own room, walk in closet, and sink, and since I lived in the new wing, I also had my own toilet, shower, and balcony. This was the best housing because it was the one who had the most Aussies living in it. <br /><br /> Greatly enhanced my experience because I was able to interact with them, eat with them, go out with them. Whereas my friends who lived in the apartments available met only a handful of Australians. It was very safe, there were a lot of activites (including athletic) that were offered. They provided sheets and maid service every week. They also offered very helpful free tutors for almost every subject.

* Food:

There was a variety of food available every day, including vegetarian choices.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My university provided a lot of social events, but since my dormitory also did, I chose to participate in those since they were with the people I lived with.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It was a very safe program. We had a doctor and dentist on campus if needed.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Australia is very expensive. Including spring break and weekend trips, I spent about 9000$ that wasn't included with the program fee.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

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  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's quite an experience, but the most important thing I would say is to live in Dunmore Lang College. You'll get the most of your experience there.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Marine Science
Course Department: MAR201
Instructor: Leanne Armand
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I did everything short of becoming a scientist and struggled to pass. It was impossible to receive good marks. Every Australian in my class was an aspiring marine biologist because since they don't take general education classes here, every class Australians take have to do with their majors. Therefore, the class was very rigorous and impossible for those who hadn't had previous science history (though there were no prerequisites) I studied more for this class than I ever did in my life and got the worst grades than in any class in my life.
Credit Transfer Issues: I had to get a C for my classes to count, which is a pass here. If you're not a science major, do not take this class. You will struggle and hate your life.