The Experience of a Lifetime Past Review
By anastasia B (Kinesiology and Exercise Science., University of Rhode Island) - abroad from 07/09/2014 to 11/23/2014 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Sydney - University of New South Wales
Going across the world to study abroad not knowing a single soul was one of the craziest and scariest things I have ever done. But big risk big reward right? RIGHT. My experience abroad was unbelievably rewarding in so many ways and a lot of that I owe to TEAN. I learned things about myself, others, different cultures, and so much more, that I would have never learned had I not gone abroad. My time in Australia was definately worthwhile and TEAN made it possible for me to get the very most out of my experience. Weather it was little trips or events like kayaking around Sydney Harbour, or planning a weekend trip to Melbourne; TEAN truly ensured that I was making the most of my short time abroad. I feel like I found my second home in Australia and it was truly a life changing experience.
Review Photos
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. |
Going to school and taking classes in a different country is a real eye opening experience. The classes I took while in Australia were at the same intensity level as those I've taken in the US, yet they were taught and approached differently by the professors. I believe being exposed to different teaching styles and approaches while taking classes abroad has made me a better student overall. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone I came into contact with on the TEAN staff was extremely helpful and had local knowledgeable. They always offered advice or guidance on whatever you needed and were easily accessible. TEAn truly sets you up for success while abroad and makes you feel welcomed wherever you may be. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing through TEAN was amazing. My apartment was literally a 30 second walk from the wonderful Coogee beach. It was also a quick bus ride or short walk to UNSW's campus. We also had a TEAN staff member assigned to our apartment, so if anything went wrong we could call them up and they would take care of it! |
| * Food: |
The food is Australia is amazing. Although there are many similarities to American food, there are also many differences... like crocodile pizza! I found the Australian dishes to be healthier when comparing to American, which is always a plus. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
TEAN made it very easy to integrate in the local culture right off the bat. In orientation alone we were eating local foods, and swinging a cricket bat. From there it was easy to get involved with the local culture through my school (UNSW) or just being outgoing and meeting friendly locals. TEAN also organized culture events through the semester including picnics and sporting events. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | never more than $75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would say be careful the first couple weeks you arrive to your host country, thats what got me. I got excited and spent a lot of my money very soon. If you are disciplined with a budget, money will not be a problem! |
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 how expensive everything would be while abroad. I didn't have a problem with money, but if i had known how expensive everything was I would have saved more and been able to indulge in a few more things. |
