Southern Cross Most Fun I've Ever Had Past Review

By (Art Teacher Education., University of Wisconsin - Stout) for

Southern Cross University: Lismore - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experiences allowed me the time I needed to relax and to think about the life that I am presently leading. Having time to think about who I am, who I want to be, meet great people, have fun and experience another part of the world was a great lesson on life. Being exposed to many different views has widened my horizons and changed my way of thinking.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was great to work under a different set of rules and expectations for a while. Working with the different teaching methods, grading system, workload was a great experience that worked in with what I was trying to accomplish while traveling abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The study abroad office at Southern Cross what very helpful and great to work with. I really appreciated their great, happy attitudes throughout the whole semester.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment that I lived at, Orion College, was very dirty (carpets, couches), but I was only there for a semesters so the whole situation was tolerable. I found the location to be good distance from campus and down town, within a reasonable walking distance. Nothing was provided at the apartment to cook with, but this wasn't a problem because we all just worked together to get what we needed.

* Food:

N/A I cooked all my own food, there was no dinning options offered.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All the different activities through both Southern Cross and specifically the International office were great. They made it easier to meet other students, not just the international students or the students the lived on Orion, but everyone. Events such as parties at the Uni Bar, lunches supported through varies organizations, Club sports, university lead trip to the Outback, and in the beginning day trips to Byron Bay and the Zoo.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The university clinic was very accessible. It was easy to get and appointment, not a long wait once I was there and inexpensive.

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

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Great program that allows one to take a break from the hustle and stress of life. A student that is very focused back home and has never taken a big chunk of time just to have fun would really appreciate this program.