Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fieldwork in the Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef, and Outback coupled w/ research Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/24/2018 to 12/06/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience was extremely worthwhile. I had amazing and incredible opportunities in the field, and I gained many fieldwork techniques and information that I will be able to apply at home. I also gained many connections and research opportunities that has me grow in my field. The opportunities that I had and the places I was able to experience and work in were truly breathtaking.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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:

Food was mainly self purchased through stipend.

* 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)

Food was expensive

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 0
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keeping track of how much you spend a week really helps keep track of spending

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
  • Other
* 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?
  • Experiential Learning
  • Fieldwork and variety of field trips
  • Research opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • Communication about Independent research portion of the semester
  • Transition between fieldwork and more traditional classroom
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Communication about independent research portion of the semester

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.