Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Definitely the best time of my life Past Review

By (Therapeutic Recreation, University of New Hampshire) - abroad from 07/09/2015 to 11/28/2015 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Newcastle - University of Newcastle

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile!! I gained long-term international friendships, I learned more about myself which allowed me to grow, and I learned and got to appreciate a different culture in depth.

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Newcastle - University of Newcastle Photo

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.

My overall educational experience involved courses that both counted towards my major and just for electives. Being from the USA, the academics differed because Australia (University of Newcastle) distributes only a 2-4 assignments that are worth a large percentage. Overall I truly enjoyed my courses and was able to easily adapt to the academics. At the University of Newcastle there are a lot of resources to assist students in need!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved my Program Administrator! He would provide monthly emails with information about what is going on around Newcastle as well as offer "coffee catch-ups". He was always available whenever we needed him but let us truly enjoy Australia independently.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Samdon St. Sharehouse was awesome!!! I thought that it was the perfect ratio between international students and local Australian students. The second I walked in I felt very welcome and was able to ease into being comfortable very quickly. I shared a room with another American and she was super cool as well! I wouldn't have anything bad to say with this place (:

* Food:

The food was phenomenal. Generally the food was similar compared to home but the food that was different was so tasty! Just as a heads up coriander and cilantro are the same thing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with the local culture. One of the events I was able to get a grasp on culture was during the local markets! I was able to see what sort of style Newcastle is known for as well as experience local musicians which I loved listening to. I also felt very integrated socially because with my housemates they were able to take me on picnics at the parks and I got to join in on pick-up volleyball games down at Nobby's Beach!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not specifically have experience with the healthcare however between my home university, the TEAN program, and the University of Newcastle, I felt very informed and well protected if I did need to utilize healthcare.

* Safety:

I felt super safe on and off campus! If I was walking home from one of the bars on Beaumont Street, walking on the main road to the house was very well lit.

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

This program has helped make my study abroad the best experience of my life in a holistic manner. I was able to have the guidance and support that I needed but I was also able to truly experience my time in Australia the way I wanted.

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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budgeting is huge! Do your best to plan out beforehand how much money you have and approximately what you anticipate on spending each week. Definitely discuss with financial advisers and your family about it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? N/A
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? N/A

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Pre-Orientation Trip
  • Accessibility of Staff if needed
  • the Off-Campus Housing option
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Honestly, both TEAN and UNH fully prepared me and I was satisfied with all of the information that I had going into my study abroad journey.

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.