Always Australia Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

UNSW pushed me strive for my best while abroad. The classes were interesting and the professors were engaging. Going through The Education Abroad Network provided step by step instruction, help and support with enrolling in my classes, figuring out my schedule, and retrieving my transcript at the end of the semester. The program made the academic transition to a new school seamless as TEAN went above and beyond what my home university would have been able to do for me.

On-site administration of your program

While in Australia there was a TEAN resident available practically 24/7. She was with my roommates and me when we moved into our apartment, gave us a tour of our university, pointed us in the direction of the grocery stores, and also helped us figure out the public transportation! When one of my roommates had a medical emergency, she immediately checked in, alerted her parents, and ensured everything was going to be okay. In a new country, TEAN provided the perfect balance of available help while also ensuring that we explore on our own.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The serviced apartments TEAN arranged were amazing. The beach was my backyard, and the city was a 20 minute bus ride away. And, I could walk or take 5 minute bus to class. Housing was a big reason I went through TEAN because I had several friends who had gone abroad in the past directly through our home university and housing was not provided. TEAN offered several living locations- a dorm, and two serviced apartment locations. All were above average living accommodations and I loved waking up everyday to a beautiful sunrise over the ocean.

The neighborhood I lived in had block after block of quick and amazing food options. Australia is the queen of brunch food as I don't think I saw any block with less than 2-3 cafes. The food at my host university was also extremely good and affordable. While I tried to buy groceries and cook with my roommates, the amazing restaurants made it hard to want to stay in and cook each day!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living in a residential area I interacted with locals all the time, from buying food to joining a workout group on the beach. I also had an internship while in Australia. Working at HerBusiness, a small educational business in Sydney, allowed me to report directly to the CEO and immerse myself in the Australian work culture. TEAN helped me fin an internship and the in-country resident of the program provided weekly information on local events that furthered my social and cultural integration.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not need any vaccines specifically for this program. I caught a minor cold while abroad but the pharmacies in Australia had ample remedies for me to easily purchase. My friend got an infection in a cut in her finger and the healthcare at UNSW was quick and efficient. TEAN helped us with our health insurance and ensured if I ever had a medical emergency I would be covered by the insurance.

I am cautious whenever I travel both in a group or by myself and there were no safety-related incidents that occurred while I was abroad. At orientation for The Education Abroad I was reminded that Sydney is a major city and while it is most definitely a safe place to live, thefts and other crimes do continuously occur so I had to always have my wits about me. All in all I felt extremely safe in my apartment, venturing to the city alone, and taking public transportation at night.

The Education Abroad provided everything and anything that I needed to have an amazing experience. They allotted a five day orientation to the city when I arrived and perfectly balanced leading me around with letting me explore and meet new people. TEAN goes above and beyond in everything they do. For example, I expressed interest in interning abroad right before classes were about to begin. The head of the program and internships immediately began working to aid me in finding and placing me in an internship. The planned excursions throughout the semester were also amazing and allowed me to skydive, explore the Great Barrier Reef, and travel throughout Thailand.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

With so many great food options it was always tempting to spend my money at restaurants and cafes. The public transportation saved me a lot of money and with such nice weather it was easy to walk places, as well. Buying groceries helped lower my expenses immensely but traveling each weekend often made it difficult to buy food for more than only a couple days at a time.

Select all that apply

• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans

Select all that apply

• Local Students

• The in-country resident of the program
• The planned orientation, housing, and excursions to Cairns and Thailand during the semester
• The extraordinary efforts of the employees of the program to ensure that my experience was amazing

• Nothing! And if I did want something to be improved The Education Abroad Network takes under serious consideration all improvement suggestions.

The Avid Adventurer