Lots of nature outside a classroom! Past Review
By A student (Biology, Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/28/2015 to 12/10/2015 with
SIT Study Abroad: Australia - Rainforest, Reef, and Cultural Ecology
I gained a great perspective on biology outside of the classroom through my independent project and made some amazing American friends that I never would have met otherwise. It was definitely worthwhile and I learned a lot about myself and the things in life that make me happy.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes are interesting and engaging! Very different than sitting in a classroom. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Academic director is great and really cares about your experience in country. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Staying in hostels and camping was great! The homestay experience is extremely variable and ranged from amazing to boring and isolating. Its only for 2 weeks though. |
* Food: |
Cooking for a large group was difficult, but there was always plenty of food and the stipend to buy food in Cairns was always plenty. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You spend most of your time with the other Americans in the program, but the directors definitely focus on highlighting Australian culture and current event. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Healthcare was fast and easily accessible. Getting reimbursed was kind of a nuisance, but not too difficult. |
* Safety: |
Never felt unsafe. Just use common sense. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Besides souvenirs, everything is accounted for. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $30 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't drink, if you're trying to save. |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
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? | Introduce yourself to everyone you meet. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
Individual Course Reviews
Course Name/Rating: |
Rainforest, Reef, and Cultural Ecology |
Course Department: | |
Instructor: | Tony Cummings and Jack Grant |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | Class was usually in the field; lots of trips and nature walks! |
Credit Transfer Issues: |
Course Name/Rating: |
Environmental Field Study Seminar |
Course Department: | |
Instructor: | Tony Cummings and Jack Grant |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | Mostly in the field! |
Credit Transfer Issues: |
Course Name/Rating: |
Independent Study Project |
Course Department: | |
Instructor: | |
Instruction Language: | |
Comments: | Very variable. Everyone does something different. It is what you make out of it. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | Need to get final project approved by department head ad Middlebury to receive credit. |