Studying in Sydney - I'D GO BACK IN A HEARTBEAT! Past Review
By Ashley S (Agricultural Biotechnology, University of Kentucky) for
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Sydney - University of New South Wales
I thought going abroad would be a new experience for me, a chance to get away from the everyday mundane that I was accustomed to. Instead, going abroad FLIPPED MY WORLD UPSIDE DOWN! I fell in love with Sydney, and with Australia in general. I changed my return date and even stayed in Australia for an extra month working and traveling. This was first time leaving the U.S., and ever since I've returned from Australia I now have a brand new passion within me; now that I've realized what amazing things lie out there in the world, I want to travel all that I can. I'm now considering possibly returning to Australia with a work visa, doing volunteer work abroad, or possibly doing residency after medical school in another country. Not a day goes by I don't miss my second home in Australia....
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. |
The teaching and grading methods at UNSW were a complete reverse from what I've been used to. The entire time I was there I took a total of 4 tests and only had 1 final while taking 4 classes. A lot more of the grading was based on papers, rather than tests or homework, which was something that took me a while to get accustomed to. Also, the grading scale is completely different. They do not have GPA's, only a range of High Distinction, Distinction, Credit, and Pass; i.e.: this meant a 75 transferred back to the US as an A, a 65 was a B, and anything above 50 was at least a C. This might sound easier, but high grades are also given out more rarely, so it all balances out. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I LOVED TEAN's staff in Sydney! Matt, our resident director, was always just a phone call or e-mail away and always made time to even meet up with us for coffee breaks and BBQs. Everyone I ever dealt with through TEAN was incredibly nice and very helpful! :) |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our living situation couldn't have been better! I'd heard from several people that TEAN had the best housing abroad, and now I believe it! Even the local Aussies who came to visit were absolutely in love with our condo/apartment. We lived in an apartment in a small suburb called Coogee that was literally RIGHT BY Coogee Beach. The town itself was really homey, friendly, and was close enough to UNSW (either a short bus ride or about a 20 minute walk, which is what it is for me at my home Uni anyways.) The main bus stop is only a block away and can take you everywhere from downtown, to the neighboring famous Bondi Beach where I worked. Everything we needed was included in our apartment and was set up when we moved in. I couldn't have asked for better accommodation! I'd even buy the apartment we lived in for myself if I could. |
| * Food: |
There are a variety of restaurants in both Coogee and Sydney. Lots of the local places in Coogee have specials on certain nights that we loved going to as a group. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our orientation program was absolutely incredible! We got to feed kangaroos, climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge, and did several excursions out in the city throughout the week. TEAN's staff is highly knowledgeable about Sydney and helped us to learn the ins and outs of the city before setting us loose on our own. It was really helpful! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Healthcare in Australia is a bit tricky to deal with. The easiest way I found was just to go to the clinic on UNSW's campus. They were more quick and efficient compared to any other practices. |
| 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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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 did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't have any second thoughts, JUST DO IT!!!! It'll be one of the best decisions in your life! |
