Best Experience Learning about Australia and Myself February 12, 2023

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was the perfect balance of academically rigorous research projects and fieldwork while also being an opportunity to have fun and enjoy being abroad. The research papers, in particular, were lengthy to write, but it was incredibly rewarding and engaging work.

On-site administration of your program

Tony Cummings and the other group leaders, such as Jack and Vanessa were wondering and helpful people. It was obvious that they genuinely cared about us and wanted us to learn about Queeensland.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Due to COVID, I could not do a homestay, which was disappointing but uncontrollable. Our living arrangements were constantly changing since we were constantly switching places to live. In Cairns, we stayed in a hostel called Global. Global had excellent facilities, nice rooms, and a convenient location. When we were not in Cairns, we were staying in the rainforest, camping, or at Lizard Island, all of which were very nice.

There was lots of cooking during the semester abroad. We always prepared meals for everyone in the program in small groups, so I learned to cook for 25 people. Lunches were mostly make-your-own sandwiches. There were lots of varieties of toppings, meat, vegetables, and spreads, so you never got tired of it. Dinners were excellent and often were preorganized by Tony, so we just had to cook them. All dietary restrictions were accounted for. While in Cairns, we were provided with stipend money to purchase our own food either from restaurants or to cook our own at the hostel.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was challenging to integrate into the local culture since we did not have the homestay portion of the program due to COVID. However, we learned much about Australia through the program's leaders, such as Tony, and the camping trip with Uncle Russ, an aboriginal elder. I was exposed to more Australian culture during my ISP and interacted with local Australians daily.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

One student tested positive for COVID during the program, and it was handled poorly. Sleeping arrangements were not figured out, and it caused an issue for the student who tested positive. Other than that, I was informed about what to do if something happened, and lucky nothing did.

I felt safe the entire time

I loved every second I was aboard. I learned so much and had so much fun.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Food, travel, and housing were expensive for me during my ISP. I could have used some extra stipend to cover costs. This is partially because I went to Tasmania, which is further away and more expensive.

Select all that apply

• Apartment
• Hostel

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans

Select all that apply

• Americans

• Program content
• Places we traveled to during the program
• People

• Higher stipend money
• Better communication before the trip

The Avid Adventurer