Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

By far the BEST experience of my life!! Past Review

By (Rehabilitation Science, University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) - abroad from 02/13/2013 to 06/23/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about people from all over the world and how their lives differ from mine in the United States. Studying and living abroad opened my eyes to various world issues and made me a much more independent and confident person. This experience was absolutely worthwhile and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I LOVED my housing arrangement!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt safe walking around Brisbane.

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)

The cost of living was much higher than I expected, but I was able to make it work.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Even though it is tough, there are some activities that you have to say no to. It is a good idea to make a list of the most important activities you want to participate in and budget around that.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Meeting local and international students
  • Experiencing a new culture and lifestyle
  • Having program contact people in Australia I can go to with various issues
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how expensive it is to live in Australia. People had told me it was high, but I did not realize it until I got there.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.