Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best decision you'll ever make Past Review

By (Biopsychology, Cognition and Neuroscience, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 02/11/2013 to 06/05/2013 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Sydney - University of New South Wales

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Going abroad in general is one of the most worthwhile experiences to have. Not only do you learn independence but you get the opportunity to explore places you never thought you would ever go. Australia was exactly that. At the complete other side of the world, I was terrified of going somewhere where I could't even contact family and friends in states immediately. However, Sydney became my home faster than I could've imagined. I learned how to be independent and was soon navigating Sydney and its hidden secrets by myself. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I highly highly recommend it!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic program at UNSW fit my needs very nicely. Each class offered me a look into different aspects of Australian culture while interacting with Australia professors and other students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The TEAN staff members in Sydney were allows available if there was any sort of problem. With just a phone call or an email they were available to help and make sure everything was okay.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was extremely satisfied with my housing. I lived in the Tiffany Towers which is a serviced apartment building in Bondi Junction. Not only to these amazing apartments offer full views of the city but it is located right next to an enormous mall and on top of the largest bus and train station in Sydney.

* Food:

The food in Sydney is amazing! There are so many different interesting kinds of cuisine while also offering things that will remind you of home!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt extremely integrated into the Sydney culture. Having a transportation system that is easy located so close to my home gave me freedom to go anywhere I wanted at really moment.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

TEAN offers a full health care initiative whilst abroad. I had a health card and was able to receive services from not only clients near my apartment but also from the campus hospital care.

* Safety:

Sydney is a very safe city! I felt very safe and able to walk around as I pleased.

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)

Living on a students' budget is difficult in Sydney. Some of the most expensive things are the ones you need most such as food and hygiene products.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Pre-planned excursions
  • Housing
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that although the weather is amazing, it isnt warm all the time! I wish I had packed to accomodate more for a colder climate as well as different vacations.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.