Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Koala-ty Time Abroad ;) Past Review

By (San Jose State University) - abroad from 02/27/2012 to 06/22/2012 with

Queensland University of Technology: Brisbane - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There is no doubt that it was worthwhile. I could ramble on for days about what I gained/learned from the experience but I will go with the most important. I learned that preconceived notions of other people only limits us. When you move to a new country knowing absolutely nobody, you have to put down your walls and find friendships in those around you, because you need them. These are the people you learn to depend on, the ones you get lost with on the train with, and the ones you stay up late with talking about anything.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Course work was the same, however class structure was different. I particularly enjoyed having a lecture and tutorial section for one class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

AMAZING STUDY ABROAD STAFF AT QUT!!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

No housing provided by QUT, however being in Brisbane it is not difficult to find a place to live

* Food:

Common food, but expensive

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Extremely well, it is a western cultured country

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The study abroad directors drove me directly to the medical center when I required stitches.

* Safety:

Brisbane is very safe, just use common sense like you would any other city.

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)

Cost of living in Brisbane was very high, from rent to food to transportation.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $400 for rent, food, phone, insurance, etc
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The chance to meet students from across the globe who became friends I travelled 6 countries with in 6 short months
  • You know those cliche bucket list items? Scuba dive The Great Barrier, backpack south east Asia, surf with dolphins, bungy jump at the original jump in New Zealand? Having the chance to do them all!
  • Being in a Australian minded classroom, and hearing different opinion of Americans and our business culture
* What could be improved?
  • Contact with the Study Abroad Office at SJSU is difficult at times
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How costly Australia is