Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Experience of a Lifetime! Past Review

By (Michigan State University) - abroad from 05/18/2016 to 07/29/2016 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Australia Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This whole experience has changed my life. As cliché as that sounds, I can say with complete honesty that it is 100% true. Before this trip I had never been out of North America, let alone, away from my family and friends for this long. While there were definitely times where it was tough and I really didn’t want to do this whole thing anymore, I found ways to stick it out. I took trips and saw places like nothing I had ever seen before. I made friendships that will hopefully last a lifetime. I truly experienced what it is like to live and work abroad. But most importantly, this trip allowed me to develop and grow as a young adult, who is looking forward to my next adventure; wherever that may take me.

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.

My internship was amazing! Not only will it look fantastic on my application to graduate school and my future resumes, but it also helped me to narrow down my path in my specific field of interest. Along with being academically and professionally beneficial, it was also personally beneficial for me to experience living and WORKING abroad in such a fantastic environment.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The TEAN staff were so helpful! From little problems like figuring out transportation to larger problems, such as dealing with your home university, TEAN's staff was there for every step, helping to figure everything out and make sure that you are having a fantastic experience abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was great! I lived in an apartment-style hotel room with a few other interns, and we all loved it. The apartment was cleaned weekly, and the hotel staff were very nice.

* Food:

Since I was living in an apartment, I was responsible for purchasing and preparing my own food. Luckily, I had multiple grocery stores around my apartment to choose from!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

TEAN did a good job of providing cultural events for us all to take part in. It is very important to put yourself out there, and truly experience life abroad. Through my internship I was able to meet amazing people that I was able to hang out with, and were able to gives me recommendations on where to travel and what to see during my time in the country.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have an health issues during my time abroad, but I know that through both my home university and TEAN that I would be taken care of if anything were to happen.

* Safety:

Sydney is very safe. I honestly felt very comfortable walking to and from work alone, and didn't hear of anything happening to any of my other fellow interns. However, it is still important to remain vigilant and play it safe when in a new place.

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)

Sydney can be expensive if you do not think things through, so it is important to budget. However, one can definitely live (and enjoy their time) abroad in Sydney on a student's budget. Try to make more food at home, instead of eating out, ask co-workers about sales and recommendations for cheap things to do. And ultimately, in Sydney there are always fun, free things going on!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $125-175

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Traveling
  • Making friends
  • Work experience
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't overpack, you can always buy clothes abroad. Plus you want to save some room for all the cool stuff you will want to bring home.

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!