Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Experience of My Life Past Review

By (Concordia University - Wisconsin) - abroad from 07/10/2016 to 11/20/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, studying abroad was absolutely worthwhile. I learned how to understand other cultures better. Furthermore, I did so many amazing things in Australia that I still can't believe I did.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The University of Queensland has challenging academics. The school work intensity always kept me on my toes and I was able to learn so much during my experience at UQ.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

TEAN gave us excellent housing. The apartment was a 5-10 minute walk from campus, which was something I really appreciated. In addition, the location of the apartment made it super easy to catch a bus/ train to somewhere. I also loved how modern the apartment was, and there was so much open space in the main living area. The outside balcony was a nice touch.

* Food:

As someone with gluten and dairy allergies, I was very nervous about being able to find food I could eat. However, I never had a problem. I found that it was easier to find food in Australia than in the USA. Plus, many restaurants were even accommodating for me.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made some local friends so I felt like I learned a lot through them. I also took a culture class so that was fun to learn some things I wouldn't normally have picked up on.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe. I never felt unsafe and I went exploring a lot on my own.

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

Yes, TEAN was an excellent host program. They helped me choose the best school for me to study at. Furthermore, there was someone I could always contact, with TEAN, who lived locally, who could help me out with anything I needed. I absolutely loved my experience and could not be more thankful for TEAN.

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)

Although, things tend to be more expensive in Australia. I was able to budget and shop the sales and ended up doing quite well with expenses.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 70 AUD, about 50 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would suggest having more money than you think you'll need saved up. You will spend more than you normally would because you're traveling around a lot, trying to see as much as possible Also, budget each week to make sure you are not going to run out of money.

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?
  • TEAN- I enjoyed that we did cultural events such as the Rugby game and the Steve Irwin zoo.
* What could be improved?
  • Absolutely nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I had all my questions answered by TEAN staff, so I felt very prepared before leaving.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.