Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Why Did It Have to End? Past Review

By (Food Science, University of Maryland - College Park) - abroad from 02/17/2014 to 06/29/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Going to Australia has probably been one of the best experiences of my life. From learning a new culture firsthand; understanding science, nutrition, and government policy with an Australian perspective; and learning the high's and low's of becoming a certified barista, I never in my life thought I would have this knowledge of a country and lifestyle on the other side of the world. I made friends there, international friends from Italy and Asia, and even Americans who live close to me (and one who even goes to my school!) Being in Australia also gave me an insight about what makes America so unique and special, as well as solutions to some of the problems we have here because of the insight from outsiders. Saying this trip was worthwhile would be an understatement.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

* 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:

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)

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? Ask around for student specials, make use of the coupons that your University provides at the beginning of the semester, and share the cost of food with your roommates (i.e. cook together).

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The freedom I had to explore
  • The guaranteed housing
  • The resident advisor that was close by
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew I there would be so much more to do there than I anticipated, because I would have split up my time more to travel around Australia.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!