Healing, Reconnecting, and Hope for the Future. July 04, 2024
By A student (Sociology, Grinnell College) - abroad from 01/26/2024 to 05/09/2024 with
SIT Study Abroad: Australia - Sustainability and Environmental Action
Oh my god-- SIT Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action did not disappoint. I came to this program weary, burnt out, and cynical about our individual ability to make meaningful change in the face of climate change, rising threat of fascism, deepening social inequality, etc. This program reconnected me to just how good it feels to do something-- anything-- to improve your immediate environment and community, and the power we have together when we find likeminded collaborators (I found mine in my abroad cohort). I am reentering the US and my final year of college with greater trust in myself, and the courage needed to pursue ideas I have for social change and my vision of the "good life." Made some great lifelong friends in my program. Cherishing our beautiful memories of hanging out on the beach in Byron Bay and traveling all around together. It was totally worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It's hard to convey just how much I learned on this program. From the field trips to the courses to the Independent Study Period, I have been exposed to the tools I need to make meaningful change in my own life and the world, with regard to both sustainability and personal growth. The program struck a good balance between academic support and independence-- I could not have chosen a better program to pursue my own ideas within. With Eshana and Sam, you truly learn from the best! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We stayed in such a range of accommodations-- from camping in large tents to staying in holiday apartments, I was quite comfortable throughout the program. |
| * Food: |
Dave is a phenomenal chef. I will never forget our sandwiches. So delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Byron Bay is a predominantly a tourist town, especially in the Spring semester (with Australian winter holiday and Easter break), but at its core, the locals hold down a strong alternative culture. There's lots of busking, surfing, alternative/holistic wellness offerings and #van life all around. While traveling together during the SEAS and RME courses, I felt more separated from local culture, but closer to my abroad cohort (we lived, explored, and worked on assignments together). During ISP I was able to meet and build relationships with some locals, which was fulfilling. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
The stipend was sufficient for covering food! During ISP, the stipend was not quite enough to cover housing some days, but worked out for me overall. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50-100 AUD |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It was nice to collaborate on cooking with roommates. Saved us money too. Helpful to remember you're on a student budget, not a holiday travel budget-- but treat yourself from time to time! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I felt pretty prepared by the predeparture materials. I would've liked to have brought a hiking backpack for my solo travel during ISP, and school supplies would've been good to have, too. I was able to borrow a backpack from a friend. You can buy pretty much anything you need in Australia and Byron Bay. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
