Bloody Ripper Past Review
By Marina Renzi (Stonehill College) - abroad from 07/09/2018 to 11/18/2018 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Brisbane - University of Queensland
I learned how to be independent and to cooperate with others because everyone is working with different schedules. It was difficult at first, but once you find a routine, then it is much easier and the time will just fly by!
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I absolutely loved the TEAN abroad program. It made going abroad very easy because many of the difficult steps were laid out for me. I was able to branch out a learn more about the world through TEAN and they helped me to experience new cultures and people that I otherwise would not have. The school was incredible and I loved every second of attending UQ. The academics were challenging, but it really helped motivate me to succeed and push through. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I don't really know the behind the scenes of the administration, but everything went smoothly on my end. The advisors were quick to place me in classes that I wanted and everything worked out to my advantage. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I liked living in the St Lucia apartments. It helped me to branch out and explore my independence while living on my own. If I could do it again I would choose the St Lucia apartments again because it was the most convenient choice for school and the commute into the city was a breeze! |
* Food: |
The food was good. I had to cook a lot at home, but off campus, I had some of the best hamburgers ever! |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I feel like I got a real feel for the Australian culture while in Brisbane. I felt very Australian while I was there and even started using a lot of the lingo. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't really have any health care issues while abroad. |
* Safety: |
I felt very safe in Australia as a whole, but even in Brisbane city I never worried. I always knew that people were friendly and welcoming and so if I ever got lost, someone was always quick to lend a hand. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I absolutely loved living in Brisbane! The city was small and very family-friendly, which made for some fun events and activities almost every week. The school that I attended, UQ, was the perfect match for me and I enjoyed walking to school every morning because of St Lucia apartments close proximity and the sunny, warm weather. I would definitely go back and visit if I could! |
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) |
Brisbane is a pretty expensive city, but if you plan your meals and try not to spend too much traveling, then it is easier than one may think. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Nearly $150-200 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't grocery shop when you are hungry! |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how difficult cooking could be, so I wish I knew a few cheap recipes before I went! |