Fremanltle: For the adventurous, laid back type! Past Review
By Mary L (Actuarial Science/Finance, Drake University) for
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Perth - University of Western Australia
I gained such an awareness for different cultures and a tolerance of different people and personalitites in general. It taught me to be open to different experiences, people and opportunities.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academics are very different in in Australia compared to the US. In Australia there will only be two or three assignments and most of your grade is from the final. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I felt they really did want us to feel happy and comfortable. They did what they could to enroll me in the classes that I wanted to be in. Overall, administration was close a pretty easy to access. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The neighborhood and location was great. There were plenty of restaurants, stores, and class was all close by within walking distance. Settle-in items were provided which was also convenient. The only disadvantage was the guest policy. I personally didn't have an issue, but a few other students had family members come to visit, and there are no guests allowed after midnight. Overall it was convenient and in a great location. |
| * Food: |
There is a community kitchen where you will cook for yourself. There are also plenty of restaurants nearby. Just below the building where I lived (which was the P&O Hotel) there is a training cafe called Quinlans. They offer a cheap lunch that I went to often. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Overall, Fremantle is a great town with a lot of character. The Fremantle Markets are something to definitely go to on a regular basis. The shopping was great in Perth and around Fremantle. The beach was very close meaning I spent alot of time there. There was plenty of nightlife to meet the locals at, as well. Rottnest Island is a place to visit while there. It is a 40 minute ferry ride outside of Fremantle and unlike any place i've ever seen. You can spend just the day or stay overnight. I reccommend renting bikes and riding around the island for the day. Definitely don't forget a camera, too! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Upon arrival, an OSHC( Overseas Health Care) card is distributed. There is a hospital nearby if you ever need to use it. Australia is a safe place in general. I never felt unsafe during any of my time there. Also, there was plenty of security on campus and in the dorm. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Basic expenses like toiletries(shampoo, soap, makeup, etc.) were very expensive. I would reccommend packing those items from home and that will save you money. In general, just expect everything to be more expensive in general, and check the exchange rate forecast before leaving the US for a heads up. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Someone interested in seeing the real Australia will love this program and the West Coast. I recommend traveling and meeting as many locals as you can! |
