Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Truly an Experiential Learning study abroad Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/31/2019 to 05/15/2019 with

SIT Study Abroad: Australia - Sustainability and Environmental Action

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to become more independent and not rely on advisors or others to help me on my work or projects but I still think it was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Traveling to Tasmania made this study abroad very worth it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The Byron Bay (Sustainability and Environmental Program) had a significantly nicer base living arrangement than the other SIT Australia program (apartment versus hostel).

* Food:

We cooked our own food so it'll be as good as you are a cook.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Unless you count the (amazing) camping trip with the Aboriginal elder, Uncle Russ, and his son, we did not really integrate into local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

They made sure we were safe and taken care of.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I've always wanted to study in Australia and I feel like this program was better than the other SIT program because of the classes, where we traveled, the coursework, and the accommodations.

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)

Living on a "student's" budget was manageable but extremely difficult during ISP period.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Byron Bay was expensive so probably around $70-100 a week. Maybe less if you cook for yourself.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself and buy local produce!!!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
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?
  • Living in Byron Bay
  • Hiking in Tasmania
  • Learning about peaceful protests
* What could be improved?
  • Advisors
  • Feedback and better matches for homestay
  • Syllabus/schedule of homework
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That we would be packing up all of our things and traveling (on average) every week and a half and not really setting root anywhere other than Byron Bay for about a month. ALSO, PLAN YOUR ISP STARTING IN THE FIRST MONTH. (GET HOUSING EARLY)

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!