Time of My Life! Past Review
By Liza J (Government, University of Maryland - College Park) - abroad from 07/27/2012 to 07/27/2012 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Sydney - University of New South Wales
It was more than worthwhile. I would go back to any single day in those six months in a heartbeat. Every day was an adventure just waiting to happen. I learned more about myself in 6 months than I had in over 6 years. To be put in a foreign place where you know nobody or nothing and you have to maneuver your way around is thrilling. You push yourself to limits you didn't think possible and come out on top. I gained life-long friends, a place that I could call home, and a new perspective on education. I learned that new things are not bad or wrong, they are just different. I also learned that I want to be a more adventurous person and live life to the fullest. If you choose TEAN you will have more opportunities laid right in front of you for the taking.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | University of New South Wales |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I never felt overwhelmed but was always challenged. I was in an excellent environment for learning. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone was happy to help, making not only my transition but my entire trip worth every penny. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Even the locals said we had the best view of the city and harbor they had ever seen. I will never forget Bondi Junction and all that came with it. |
| * Food: |
So many places, so close. There were always new things to try and familiar foods with a twist. My preferences have now changed and miss Australian food! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I truly enjoyed getting to know the Australians and all they stood for. I admire their culture and feel it a bit ingrained in myself. I became so much more appreciative of other people's perspectives. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
There was a health center just blocks from my apartment and services on campus. |
| * Safety: |
I never once felt threatened, night or day. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. The issue of safety barely crossed my mind the entire five months because it was never on the forefront. |
| 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) |
I'm not great at limiting my expenditure. I go out too much. It is manageable though, there are great places that are on budget you just have to find them. As in every country or city you're in. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 300 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't spend all your money in the first couple weeks. You will be so excited to be there that you won't have a budget and then the money is all gone! Spend wisely from the beginning. Don't go in thinking you are going to get a job, because most people truly don't. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | I wish I knew before I got to my country that I wanted to travel more. I should have prepared for traveling because I regret being in that part of the world and not exploring more places than I did. Being overly prepared is better than not being prepared at all. There are so many places I wish I had gone to that I may not have the opportunity to ever again. The cultures that I now want to learn about and the people I want to meet and the scenic wonders that I want to experience were at my fingertips but too far to reach. Preparedness is key. |
