Australia: The best decision of my life Past Review
By Brittney T (Management, Purdue University) for
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Sydney - University of New South Wales
Studying abroad with The Education Abroad Network was beyond words. Not only did the staff of this program ensure the everything I could think of and more was right at my fingertips, but they were essentially the vessel that helped me grow and change to become the person I am now, just through studying abroad. It may sound silly saying a few short months changed me so drastically (for the better!), but it is so true! Living in another country, opens your world up to so many more ideas and experiences and the Education Abroad Network gives you every opportunity to live up your entire stay in Australia.
Personal Information
| 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. |
The school system in Australia is a bit different than in the United States, in the sense that they grade you much more an application of your learning and analysis of subject material. It is common to have every exam in a class be essay based. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Education Abroad Network exceeded my expectations in every imaginable way (which is saying a lot, because my expectations were quite high). The ensured that I was aware of any event going on in Sydney, that I had the opportunity to sign up for any of the MANY trips they offered, and that I received discounts and great deals on as many things possible. The housing they set up was PHENOMENAL, and all the staff was incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The Tiffany apartments in Bondi Junction provided me, hands down, with the best living arrangements I have EVER experienced. |
| * Food: |
The only reason for the not 5 star rating, is that I was living on my own, and thus, cooking my own food, and I'm not the best cook...thus, not worthy of 5 stars (or "worlds") |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I wish I would have gotten involved with more Australian related groups, but going out on my own on trips throughout the country and within Sydney was amazing. Experiencing the culture was so much fun and enlightening. Australia is a beautiful country and the people are incredibly kind. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
We were set up with student health insurance which was nice, and medicine and health care was very inexpensive in Australia, which was very nice as well. |
| 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?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Students who are looking to have a life changing experience opening them up to a new culture, new people, and a new atmosphere will absolutely love spending a semester in Australia. |
