Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A difficult and exciting time that pushed me out of my shell Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 07/14/2017 to 11/25/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be more self sufficent, to budget better, how to talk to people who were different than myself and make friends with them and how to book a flight

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 really enjoyed the immersive experience and Tean provided many experiences and little extra trips that made it great. My adviser abroad was very helpful and kind.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was displeased with alot of the housing experience. There were roaches in the share house and not everyone was very friendly. There was one person inparticular that was obviously homophobic who i was not comfortable being around. Many of the girls grouped up which made me end up feeling very disconnected and lonely.

* Food:

The food was descent. Very similar to American food. Nothing particularly spectacular

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt decently accepted into the culture and way of life. Australians are accepting and very laid back which made it easy to talk to people and make friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt taken care of and safe health wise.

* Safety:

I felt very safe here.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I wouldnt choose the same program exactly because I felt there are some definite things I would change. For instance I would either get a small studio apartment or live on campus. I would also choose somewhere more culturally diverse.

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)

I would say it was very similar to America but coffee was expensive and you ended up paying alot more for makeup and certain items.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe around 50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The events
  • The art programs at the university
  • The local community
* What could be improved?
  • Look into more housing options for those who are LGBTQ
  • LGBTQ safety
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew the set up where I would be staying which for me is something very big, in order to feel safe I need to know that the people Im living with are okay with who i am.

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.