Take lots of pictures and do everything!! March 19, 2024

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program was heavily focused on field studies and had lots of write-ups and a couple of presentations. The work was very collaborative with students and the community. It was really important to stay on top of work and writing but not overly time-consuming, plenty of time to explore!!! All of the outside resources are provided like books and articles where needed. Online resources through the SIT library are helpful as well as your home institution when doing background research for ISP. I think I learned more in the 3 months I was abroad than in my 2.5 years of college before it. Pay attention and engage and you will be greatufl for it!

On-site administration of your program

When you get to Cairns, Tony is your #1 contact and will let you know everything you need to know while in Australia. He and the other professors (depending on the trip ie rainforest/camping/lizard island) are you on the ground support. This program is extremely flexible so come with that in mind that things are always changing to best fit what is happening in the moment. Things move fast, but paying attention and communication with Tony and your classmates make it easy to stay ahead.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did not do a homestay in my semester, but I did stay in different hostels when we were traveling. The hostels were all really nice! You will be living with roommates at all times in hostels, but we only ever roomed within our program. Global (where we stayed in Cairns) is right on the esplanade and on the water so there is lots to do around. Be nice to the staff and they will be nice to you! It gets hot and humid in Cairns so make sure you bring a quick-drying towel (or something like it) because its just always kind of damp!

COOK CREW!! When out on trips you will all take turns cooking dinner and it's so fun to cook and hangout with everyone! There were always vegetarian and vegan options for meals, just let them know at the beginning of the semester.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Most cultural integration was during ISP because you are not just going out with a bunch of other Americans but getting to be independent and work with locals. Aussie culture is a lot like American culture so there is not a huge culture shock but you will get well acquainted with the Aussies! Especially on the camping trip!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We had a couple of incidents during my program but were all taken care of. Tony will help you with any questions and get to a doctor if you need to. You get incurrence to use while you're there, so keep that in mind. And its not as expensive as it is at home.

I never felt unsafe in Cairns or anywhere else. It does have a big nightlife so treat it like any other tourist city when going out. The hostels were all safe and clean. i brought a lock to put on my luggage while storing it in the hostels which was useful.

This program was the most fun ive ever had! Tony does everything he can to make it a great time and the other students are great. Australia is the prettiest place ever and you will not regret it at all.

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

You get a stipend for food so cooking with a couple of other people makes it last plenty long. There is not a lot of personal expense other than going out to eat and shopping but it's cheaper in Australia so budgeting was not bad at all.

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• Hostel

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• Americans
• International Students

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• Americans
• International Students

• LIZARD ISLAND
• Tony

• There wasn't much about the program other than the SIT website available before departing.

The Avid Adventurer