Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Decision I've Made in College Past Review

By (English, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo) - abroad from 08/29/2019 to 12/15/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My trip was worthwhile, definitely. I like to tell people that it's the best decision I've made in college. From studying abroad, I learned about not only my own culture, but a few other ones as well. I got to meet American students from all over the states that taught me new slang and the fun things they do in their towns. Then, I also met international students from Germany, France, Singapore and Sweden to name a few. From them, I learned how they still enjoy board games or playing cards, but they have different school systems or unique perspectives on the American and European identities. Lastly, interacting with the Australian students was such a joy and I learned how to be more carefree and fun-loving from them. TEAN is the reason my time abroad will not be forgotten, and for that, I am especially grateful.

Review Photos

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The TEAN staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful. They acted as mentors and guides throughout the semester. I could contact our Resident Adviser questions about where to find the best grocery stores or just to chat about how life in Australia.

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)

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 Orientation Program
  • The Extra Activities- Surfing and Opera House Tour
  • The Access to a Top-Rated University
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how many friends I would make along the way. I was concerned that finding friends to travel and see the world with would be difficult, but TEAN gave me so many opportunties to get to know people, that I quickly found a solid friend group.