Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A sunny, sandy, sweaty, and stellar way to spend a semester in Australia! Past Review

By (Environmental Studies., Austin College) - abroad from 02/01/2013 to 05/16/2013 with

SIT Study Abroad: Australia - Rainforest, Reef, and Cultural Ecology

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
THe ability to really rely on myself and push myself to my limits. Stepping out of my comfort zone in the Pacific was one of the most beneficial things I could have done for myself. Living with 20 other students forced me to become even more patient and accepting of others who act and think differently than myself. My experience in Australia through SIT was one of the best I have ever had.

Review Photos

SIT Australia: Rainforest, Reef, & Cultural Ecology Photo SIT Australia: Rainforest, Reef, & Cultural Ecology Photo

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.

While my SIT program was not as rigorous as a semester at Austin College, (taking classes individually vs four at a time), it was by no means an easy semester. After my time in Australia, I felt like I had learned more in one semester through SIT than I could have through any other program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration at SIT was fantastic, always available to answer questions and concerns in a timely manner, and extremely helpful once in-country.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My homestay in Australia was educational and a great way to connect to a local family (I still keep in contact with mine).

* Food:

The food in Australia very similar to that at home. THe food provided on the SIT excursions was always more than enough and suited everyones dietary restrictions/needs.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

SIT provides an extremely education semester, but there is not much time to explore and bond with your local surrounding.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

Cairns is a very touristy place with people visiting from all over the world at any given time. The city is geared towards backpackers and a beach life-style. The locals are very friendly and welcoming, however as in most cities, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and careful when out at night.

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)

Through SIT's program fees, you pay into a budget that is given to you in-country each week. The stipend covers enough for food and if carefully managed, a few luxury items or two.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20 Au dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Have a weekly budget or a rough estimate of how much money you want to spend each week/month. You will be there for a whole semester so buying everything you like the first week may mean you'll go hungry. Wait a few weeks and save up for something you really like!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Educational emphasis
  • Adventure
  • Focus on the native environment
* What could be improved?
  • Syllabus and course materials
  • Activities in host city
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Australian slang!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.