Best Five Months of my Life: Brisbane, Australia. Can I go back now? Past Review

By (Business Management, James Madison University) for

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Brisbane - University of Queensland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad has changed me in so many good ways. My cultural awareness is much greater and I have such an appreciation for cultures now it's unbelievable. I have the travel bug now and I just want to travel everywhere and see everything that I can. The people I met made my experience unforgettable. From my roommates, to my travel friends, to my classmates, to my soccer friends, all helped me learn something different about myself and help me improve as a person. I feel I am a much stronger, confident, kind person coming back from studying abroad.

Review Photos

Education Abroad Network: Brisbane - University of Queensland Photo Education Abroad Network: Brisbane - University of Queensland Photo Education Abroad Network: Brisbane - University of Queensland Photo Education Abroad Network: Brisbane - University of Queensland Photo Education Abroad Network: Brisbane - University of Queensland Photo

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.

The classes were a little different but overall very similar. Most classes only met once a week, with a tutorial meeting once a week as well. The style of teaching and workload was similar to university in the United States.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I immediately felt like the Education Abroad Network knew what they were doing and how to do it very well. Right from the orientation in Sydney, I knew I chose the right program. They had fun activities planned, the information sessions were helpful, they were ALWAYS there to help whenever needed. My experience with this program was perfect!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with three girls also studying abroad with the Education Abroad Network. We had a two bedroom/two bathroom apartment, so I had a roommate but it worked out perfectly. We all got along really well and the apartment was very homely. The second I walked in, I knew I would love it there. Sheets, kitchen ware, TV, etc. were provided for us, so that made it a lot easier to get comfortable and feel at home. I always felt really safe in my neighborhood. The location was really convenient for everything! It was a 10 minute walk to campus, and there are multiple shopping/eating places within a 20 minute walk. The city is just a 15 minute bus right away with the bus stop being very close to my apartment. I couldn't have been happier where I chose to live!

* Food:

The food was a little more expensive than in the United States but it was all so worth it! I highly recommend getting kebabs from anywhere. The food shopping experience was very similar to the United States so that helped.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My experience abroad was amazing! The Education Abroad Network organized so many things: Welcome BBQs, BBQs throughout the semester i.e. for Greek Festival in Brisbane, Coffee meetings, an AFL game, a going away dinner. I always took advantage of the mid-semester break trips they offered and went to Thailand. This trip was one of the highlights of my experience. I met some of my best friends on that trip and gained many memories. It was very organized and an absolutely amazing cultural experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt very safe being abroad and away from home. Brisbane is a beautiful city and I never felt scared walking alone or at night. I fortunately never had any health issues abroad.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The activities/trips offered.(Orientation, mid-semester, weekend)
  • How easy it was to meet other American students.
* What could be improved?
  • Housing fixed up a bit, but still very good.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be open to anything. Experience all you can. Cherish it while you are there. and GO SEE/DO ALL YOU CAN!! :)