Past Review
By Alex C (Accounting, SUNY - Binghamton) for
SUNY Binghamton: Perth - Exchange & Study Abroad Program at Murdoch University
My study abroad experience was very worthwhile. I made some great friends and had experiences I will never forget.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The professors lectured well and were very organized. For anybody in the accounting major however, business classes taken in Australia have little application in the US due to different tax structures and accounting laws. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
International office workers are overwhelmed. Oftentimes I would have to send multiple emails or go to the office to make sure requests were handled. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The Murdoch Village is a set of apartment complexes. The apartments themselves are nice and decently furnished. I lived in the Hakea building in the new village. <br /><br /> Nightlife is often hindered by strictly enforced noise regulations. Make sure to pay for housing before arriving in Australia, it is easy not to do that and be surprised with a bill on arrival. |
| * Food: |
Groceries as well as restaurants are extremely expensive. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Nightlife in Perth and in Freemantle is alot of fun. Great clubs and bars. The Northwest trip is also a must, maybe the best 10 days of the whole trip. Music festivals frequent Perth, be sure to get to one. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Campus and the city are very safe. Healthcare is easily accessible on campus. I would suggest buying the OSHC Insurance to simplify things if you do get sick. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $300 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Food and alcohol are extremely expensive. Freemantle has an open market on the weekends where food is much cheaper. Internet in the student village costs $40 per month. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | There is something for everybody in Perth. It is a much smaller city than some of its counterparts such as Sydney, but the coastline is beautiful. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Corporate Finance |
| Course Department: | Bus224 |
| Instructor: | Dominc Gasbarro |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Very challenging course with a knowledgeable professor. Alot of the material however is not applicable in the US due to different taxation laws and accounting methods. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Information Systems Management |
| Course Department: | ICT326 |
| Instructor: | |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Very challenging course. No field trips or use of the location. Very applicable knowledge for a student pursuing a business major. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Creative Writing I |
| Course Department: | EGL122 |
| Instructor: | Simone Lazaroo |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | A fun and interesting class to take. Meets only once a week for 3 hours, which sometimes feels too long, but overall very good. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
