Summer Internship of a Lifetime Past Review
By Deanna Longo (University of Delaware) - abroad from 06/19/2017 to 08/23/2017 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Australia Internship Program
I learned so much from my experience abroad. I gained a lot of confidence working with children, which is the group of people I want to work with when I'm older. I became a lot more independent by navigating public transportation across Australia. I learned about different cultures throughout different cities in Australia, as well as Australia's healthcare system. This was definitely a worthwhile trip.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall, TEAN is a fantastic company to choose to study abroad with. They always answered my emails extremely quickly and guided me each step of the way. I've had nothing but positive experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Alice is one of the nicest people I have ever met. She is so dedicated to her job and is always so friendly. She was constantly writing reminders for us in the Facebook group. She gave us a fantastic three day tour in Sydney and it really help me feel comfortable in a new city far from home. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was extremely satisfied with the living arrangements. I live in the Urbanest on Darling Drive in Sydney. It is relatively new, and everything is very clean. This building is so nice to live in, and has amenities like a laundry room, gym, movie room, and study areas. While I have a roommate, the room is spacious and because of a wall between our beds, I have privacy when I need it. |
| * Food: |
The food was very good! There is a variety of food and I always loved trying something new. I had incredible desserts. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt integrated with the local culture, especially living right in the city. I was only a 5 minute train ride away from iconic structures in Sydney such as the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Opera House. I as well was only a two minute walk from Paddy's Markets, where I bought fruits and vegetables from locals, which was awesome. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have health issues during my duration, however, TEAN did prepare us with the option of medical insurance should we need to go to a doctor while abroad. |
| * Safety: |
I felt extremely safe in Sydney. Commuting to my internship alone in the morning and at night, I never felt unsafe walking to transportation or to my apartment. Even late at night, I always felt safe walking through the city and that was very important to me. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
TEAN provided me with the most amazing summer of my entire life. Not only did I get to contribute to the healthcare field in another country, but I as well got to explore everything Australia has to offer. From the beaches to the markets to nature activities, I always found myself occupied. |
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 found it difficult to live on a student's budget. There were a lot of finances I didn't take into account before coming to Australia such as transportation (I needed to take the bus or train everyday), and various activities on the weekend whether in Sydney or in another city in Australia. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 250 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would say to make dinner during the weeks and for lunch. This will save a lot of money on food because you won't always need to eat out. I would as well make sure you bring a variety of clothing, despite the season. While I came in the winter of Sydney, there were days where I wore shorts and other days I was in a sweater and a scarf. Because I was unaware of how cold it was in Sydney, I had to buy winter clothes so I would be aware of the temperature you are traveling to Australia in! If traveling is as important to you as it was to me, I would as well plan out other places in Australia or outside of Australia you want to go at the beginning of the trip, so this way you know how much money you'll be spending at those destinations. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how to better budget my money at the time. Definitely think about your purchases abroad because you don't realize how much money you spend. I also wish I knew how cold it was going to be in Sydney. Even though their winter might be 60 degrees Fahrenheit, it is a cooler 60 degrees there than it is here. I also wish I knew to bring layers because it could get hot throughout the day, and that would have saved me time and money on buying some new clothes to accommodate this weather. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
