Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I would go back in a second Past Review

By (Psychology, Miami University) - abroad from 02/11/2015 to 06/30/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about different cultures and what it was like to live in a foreign country and adapt to a new way of living. I would not change this experience for anything. I gained new perspectives and new friends from all over the world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All of my classes I took at UNSW were new subjects I had never studied before. The class sizes were small so that you could get to know your classmates and professors very well.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

TEAN and the International Office at UNSW were so welcoming and went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable living in Australia. The orientation programs were fun and I was able to meet many local and international students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

TEAN's off-campus housing was more amazing than I could have ever imagined. The accommodation itself was spacious and clean, but my favorite part was the location. We were steps away from the beach and local shops and just a quick bus ride to campus and downtown Sydney.

* Food:

The food in Sydney is delicious! They have every type of cuisine imaginable and the supermarkets hold everything so that you can get together with your friends and have dinner parties and barbecues on the beach.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Australians are very friendly and social people. It was very easy to meet people on campus and around Sydney. I met a lot of people traveling around the country and just on campus and in class.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have a personal experience with the healthcare system, but TEAN and UNSW explained to us how our insurance worked and made it clear on what to do if we had a health emergency.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Australia. My accommodation and the campus was in a very safe location. I always had my phone with me incase I got lost, but there was never a time that I felt unsafe.

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)

You had to be wise about how you spent your money because Australia is expensive, but if you cook meals in your accommodation and research travel far enough in advance there are ways to save money.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When you travel make sure that you plan in advance so that you are not spending too much money on expensive flights and hotels- look for cheaper options, maybe hostels and cheap airlines.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The helpfulness
  • The extra activities throughout the year
  • The accomodation
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is expensive studying abroad so spend your money wisely but also take full advantage of every opportunity you are offered!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.