Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Let no opportunity pass you by! Past Review

By (Stonehill College) - abroad from 07/23/2012 to 11/23/2012 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Perth - University of Notre Dame

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad forced me to step outside my comfort zone, and as a result I became and experienced things that will remain with me for the rest of my life!

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.

The classes I enrolled in were academically rigorous, however, in a different way than the classes in the United States are. The professors in Australia lecture the students and then the students are expected to teach themselves and be responsible for the material the professor did and did not cover. There is no busy work, no check up assignments- you get a final test and one paper that usually make up your entire grade for the semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My program has staff locally as a resource for me in addition to having an excellent relationship with the staff at my host university who were also always there to help when needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Not everyone was satisfied with our living arrangements, however, I loved them! I had a terrace that wrapped from my room around the building which was amazing to do homework on and to tan also! And I loved our community meals 2x a week at the P&O Hotel (my dorm name).

* Food:

I had to make my own food with the exception of two meals a week, and while this was an amazing bonding experience when other students cooked you didn't get a say in what was prepared.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not everyone took advantage of immersing themselves the way I did, however, speaking for myself I got three jobs and really immersed myself with the locals both at my school, at my work, and outside of it!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any issues.

* Safety:

While Fremantle was safe during the day, safety increasingly became a problem as we progressed in the semester during the nights. Remember the body system!

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)

Fremantle is incredibly expensive to live in. Many people have compared it to living in NYC. I stayed for almost five months and with minimal traveling I went through close to $9,000 including my $2,300 plane ticket.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? It really varied week to week on average I probably spent about $250-300 a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a job! First off, it's a great way to immerse yourself in the culture, secondly, you're going to need to it support your day to day expenses in addition to all those once in a life time opportunities you don't want to have to turn down because of money- and DON'T TURN DOWN ANY OPPORTUNITY BECAUSE OF MONEY!!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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
  • 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?
  • Living with so many people from different cultural backgrounds.
  • Being next to the beach.
  • Being independent!
* What could be improved?
  • More travel opportunities through TEAN.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had saved more money, brushed up on my political awareness, and had more faith in myself so I could have began growing as a person even sooner.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Culture and Society
Course Department: Psychology
Instructor: Professor Dawn Darlaston-Jones
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course will challenge you to reevaluate your beliefs, views, role in society, and society's influence on you. The challenging nature of this course can be frustrating at times but I highly recommend it.
Credit Transfer Issues: I had no issues.