Abroad in Australia - Beautiful, Rewarding and Unforgettable Past Review

By Daniel B (Finance, Iowa State University) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My only internship experience on my resume was through my program and school (UNSW) and it was the most valuable experience I have. I got real world training in a global company and was able to work with some of nicest people I've ever met. Even though I worked for free I look back at my time in my internship and it's weird to think about how much I actually enjoyed working there. Being surrounded by such an amazing culture as Australia's you really think back about how it's really hard to top such an experience. Living so close to one of the world's biggest and busiest cities opened my eyes to what the world has to offer. I met so many of my lifelong friends through the program and there's not a day that goes by I don't miss my time abroad. It truly is the quickest semester of your college career!

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 work load was a bit less than what I would say it was in America, mostly due to the fact that our only grades were two tests and rarely had homework outside of textbook reading. The mandatory tutorials was a bit different type of enviornment then I was used to at my home university but I liked getting one on one experience with foreign students and working and collaborating with them on projects.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The Education Abroad Network was the absolute best program I could have gone through. The way that they prepare you to enter and adjust a foreign country is unmatched. I always felt like I could contact someone if I had an issue with my living, or if I just needed general information about Australia. They also provide wonderful living situations and a fantastic orientation program. My semester abroad was easily my best semester of my college career and I fully believe that's because of The Education Abroad Network and what they provided.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I was located in one of the nicest housing situations you could ever imagine. Fully furnished with complete cable and internet as well as a weekly cleaning service. We lived directly above the train and bus station so we could literally walk right outside and hop on a train and get to wherever we needed. Downtown Sydney was only 10 minute train ride and the beach was only a 15 minute bus ride. It was amazing. We also lived right next to Sydney's biggest mall that provided everything we needed from clothes, groceries and personal items.
* Food:	Australian dining was fairly similar to American offerings and I enjoyed going out to a variety of places. Check out Arthur's Pizza in Bondi Junction and the various places in China Town.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	There's never a dull moment in Australia. There are so many places to go every night, so many people to meet who are all incredibly friendly and open to American's. Experience Mardi Gras!!
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I never felt like I was in danger once my entire time in Australia. I had to get stiches from a surfing accident and going to the hospital was quick and easy and my university reimbursed me for the charges!
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)