University of Western Australia: An Amazing Underconsidered Opportunity Past Review

By Amanda B (Human Relations, Indiana University/Purdue University at Columbus) for

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Perth - University of Western Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Completely worthwhile. I am a new person. I have become a very independent and adaptable person - traits that could only be fostered by studying abroad. I have a larger social network and I am a more globally minded person. I had such a unique experience in Western Australia and it saddens me that more people do not head West when they go to Australia. I loved studying abroad at the University of Western Australia and it has motivated me even further to travel and aim higher.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The workload is very different. This university puts an emphasis in paper/exam performance compared to classroom participation and homework. It took a little while getting used to.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Overall, the administration was good. My expectations were met, but I expected more (over welcoming and accommodating). The program size was what I expected, but the one-on-one attention was lacking. I had issues transferring out of an economics class and no one was really there to help me.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I live in Currie Hall. I LOVED the single rooms, but the food was terrible. The facility overall though is great and very close to campus.
* Food:	I do not eat red meat and Currie Hall was very stringent about who got a vegetarian plate. It was almost as if they did not believe that I could eat white meat but not red.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	My first week on campus was great. I took a trip to the zoo and to a nearby town (Fremantle) which has great shopping arranged by the UWA orientation program. Additionally, my Education Abroad Network mentor took me to a soccer game to watch Perth Glory. It was great!
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Perth is a very safe area. I never felt at danger even at night. I also rarely had any health issues besides a few cases of the sniffles. Even then, my Education Abroad Network mentor was the first person to offer to drive me to a drug store. No vaccines were necessary and overall my mental and physical health only improved.
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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans International Students Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Considering the University of Western Australia? Do it! UWA is a great institution with a lot to offer (and it is a part of the 'Group of 8' elite universities in Australia. Be forewarned - UWA is a big university with a large campus and student body. If you have trouble being sociable or do not have a feel for large campuses you might struggle initially. It is completely worth it though, I would go back in a heartbeat.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Technology: Debating Communication
Course Department:	COMM 1101
Instructor:	Tauel Harper
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Great course. I learned how to make a Website!
Credit Transfer Issues:	No issues.

Course Name/Rating:	French Advanced IV
Course Department:	FREN 2208
Instructor:	Helene Jaccomard
Instruction Language:	French/English
Comments:	I would never, ever take this course again. I have learned that unless the language you are studying is the one native to the land - do not take a language element overseas. The levels of French between myself and the regular students was so different that I barely passed. The instructor also was a bit scatter brained and seemed to have no idea how to handle a student who was not used to Australia instruction. The course was interesting, but overall not worth it.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No issues.

Course Name/Rating:	Mysticism, Melancholy, & Madness
Course Department:	MEMS 2215
Instructor:	Jenna Mead
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	VERY interesting course. I do not have any classes like this at my home institution. I was fascinated with the subject matter and even though the class was a little difficult, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No issues.

Course Name/Rating:	Aboriginal History
Course Department:	HIST 1100
Instructor:	Blaze Kwaymullina
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It was a big lecture that lasted only half of the semester. However, it was taught every Friday and it was a 6-hour lecture. There were no exams, just a few reflections and one bigger paper.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No issues.