Sydney Australia: The Time Of Your Life! Past Review
By Rachel J (Finance, University of Wisconsin - Madison) for
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Sydney - University of New South Wales
Going through the Education Abroad Network: Study Australia was the best thing ever and I really think it is the only way to go to Australia. They set up so many exciting things and really make sure that you are ready and that you don't miss out on anything. I learned a lot about myself and how to be more independent. I went outside of my comfort zone and learned that I love meeting new people and that sometimes, being put in awkward situations can be one of the best things ever. I feel more confidant and excited about life; I would love to go back and work in Australia for a year or two!
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | University of New South Wales |
| 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. |
The system of learning was different in that classes met a lot less often so you were expected to do more work on your own. Overall the work load was not bad though and teachers were open to helping you. One thing I noticed, though, was that if you had questions for a professor, you should have a general understanding about what you are confused on because they expect that of you. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was so helpful in helping figure out what classes to take and making it so that your schedule was easy and allowed for travel. They were such a great resource if you were willing to take the time to use what they offered. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My housing was all arranged through the Education Abroad Network. It was located a half a block from the ocean in a beach town of Sydney. It was the best location I could imagine and my program was really good about getting back and helping out with any problems that we might have experienced. Everything that we needed for kitchen use was supplied, as were towels, sheets, pillows, etc. It made the transition really easy. |
| * Food: |
The food was very similar to that of American cuisine, I thought. The portions at restaurants were a little smaller, but I think that they were a good size, as American restaurants often over fill. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There was a really awesome orientation in the city if Sydney, which helped us get acquainted with the city and to have a lot of fun. Throughout the semester, there were also barbecues, trips, and events held that everyone was encouraged to go to in order to get the most out of the experience. It was so much fun! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I did not feel my safety threatened at all. I never got sick while I was abroad; however one of my roommates did and she said that the system of getting medical attention was easy because our program supplied us with the necessary tools. |
| 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? | This program is a lot of outdoorsy stuff. Also, there is a lot to do and see; if you like the beach and like thrilling sports then you will love it. I feel like a wide array of people would enjoy it; the Australians you meet are so nice and accepting. It really is the place to study abroad and I want to go back a lot! |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Finance |
| Course Department: | Fin 1215 |
| Instructor: | |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | The course was really good and I enjoyed it and learned a lot. It was fun to see a different country's financial rules. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | Yes it transferred back as a class I needed. I would definitely look into what the classes you are taking will transfer back as because that is so important. |
