The best of Australian wildlife in one semester Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/01/2019 to 05/16/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to navigate lectures given in the field and be independent in a new location.

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.

Assignments would happen very suddenly at the end of an excursion and be due relatively soon after returning but plenty of time was given to accomplish everything

* 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

It was incredible and we were able to visit so many places that the average tourist doesn't have the opportunity to.

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)

It all depends on if you keep a budget or not. The group had a wide range of how much each student was spending.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

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?
  • Seeing endemic animals
  • The Great Barrier Reef
  • The professors and program staff
* What could be improved?
  • homestay placement
  • packing information
  • keeping us updated ahead of time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack light!! We were constantly moving around without a home base meaning our bags were getting left in various places depending on a variety of things. Be able to carry all your luggage and expect to buy things when you get there.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.