Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I found career passion in my internship and a home in Perth Past Review

By (University of Rhode Island) - abroad from 02/04/2018 to 05/11/2018 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Australia Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so many hands-on skills from my internship. My internship allowed me to work with a sports team which I wouldn't have been able to do in America. I also become more independent and self-confident through living in a foreign country. It was a completely worthwhile experience.

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.

It was a great, hands-on educational experience where I gained a lot of practical work force knowledge and skills.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location was in central Perth, close to major transportation stations, restaurants, parks, and the downtown area. The apartment itself was so much better than I expected. It had a lot of space and it really encouraged my roommate and I to be more independent.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Right when my roommate and I arrived in Perth our local TEAN employee took us to a footy game and really helped us acclimate in Perth's culture and atmosphere. Throughout the whole experience the TEAN staff helped us find local Perth activities, events, and restaurants. In the internship placement I had, I was working with a lot of Australian University students the same age as myself. I made friends with them and got to experience their Perth with them too.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Perth was a very safe city. Bus and Train stations felt very safe as well. Their was always a transportation security officer at the stations.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

TEAN provided me with a program and internship which created for me a life in Australia. I was interning/working 40 hours a week, living in an apartment with a friend, I had my local grocery store and shopping area, I made so many local friends that I would hang out with. I felt so comfortable and it really felt like through the TEAN program and my personal experiences that Perth became a home.

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 the cost of living to be very easy for myself as a student. I lived in an apartment so my roommate and I made our meals instead of eating out all the time which saved money. TEAN provided us with events to go to they we didn't have to pay out of the pocket for.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? At my weekly grocery store trip I generally spent $20-30 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to set money goals/budgets for each week. That could be regarding food, nightlife, or even budgeting for if you choose to go on a trip.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Working with a WAFL club
  • Living in Perth
  • Having support from and access to TEAN staff during my internship
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I believe that TEAN had given me all the information and tips I needed to be successful in my internship

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!