Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unreal! One of the most exciting experience/journey of my life. Past Review

By (Accounting and Related Services., Providence College) - abroad from 02/13/2013 to 06/30/2013 with

Macquarie University: Sydney - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the australian culture and their views on the world. It was exciting to see how another country lifestyles and traditions.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200-300+
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Expect to spend a lot. I did not realize coming into this that Sydney Australia has the 3rd highest cost of living in the world. Everything is very expensive even though the exchange rate is low. Just be cautious with your spending. Also it would be beneficial to get an Australian bank account to avoid international bank fees and because with many american debit cards, you have to use it has a credit card so it makes it harder to keep track of your spending.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • The program leaders
  • The excursions they planned
  • the people in my program
* What could be improved?
  • the benefits we receive i.e. free internet
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish i new more about Macquarie University were I stayed during my time in Australia. The University itself was great, but its location was in the middle of no where, which made it a hassle to get into the city. It took on average 45 minutes to an hour to get into the city. Also in Australia many of the locals commute to school which made it harder to meet them. The village we lived in had a lot of americans and i wish it had more diversity.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.