Down Under... but On Top of the World! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

While abroad, I found the workload to be challenging yet manageable if executed properly. Though tempted to travel every weekend and study break at school, I had to realize that I was there to do well in school and had to place my studies as my primary concern. As soon as I arrived in Australia I found that the grading system was very different. While American grading systems use letter grades ranging from A-F, Australian Universities graded by Pass, Credit, Distinction and High Distinction. The teaching methods were also different, as the classroom setting and teaching styles were a bit more informal than I was previously used to. Throughout my classes, I gave many presentations in my tutorial workshops which was a more hands-on approach to learning that I feel I greatly benefited from.

On-site administration of your program

I could not have been more pleased with my interaction with the Study Abroad office at Siena. From my first meeting, until the pre-departure meeting, they were well organized and very informative. I was well aware of what needed to be turned in and when, so that my application process with The Education Abroad Network could run smoothly. Everyone involved was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the programs in Australia which made me very excited to embark on my journey. After now experiencing my time abroad, I can easily say that my expectations were superseded. It is easy to see why Siena's Study Abroad program had so many participants traveling and studying all over the world for this past Fall 2011 semester.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing in Australia was absolutely incredible. To this day, I cannot believe I was lucky enough to be living in such a gorgeous, well-kept apartment complex. Housed in the Meriton Serviced Apartments in Bondi Junction, Sydney, I lived with 5 other roommates. There was never a time in our 5 month stay that we felt unsafe or uncomfortable in our living quarters. Since the apartment was directly adjacent to the train and bus station, everything was easily accessible. The apartments came fully furnished with appropriate bedding and cookware necessities. The only other thing we all had to purchase, apart from our personal care items were hangers for the closets. I could not have been any happier with our apartment and housing arrangements.

Since we did most all of our cooking, we spent a lot of time in the grocery store across the street. In doing so, I found that the quality and quantity of food was above average. There was a great selection of fresh food products and a diverse selections of meals to cater to everyones taste or ethnic background. Furthermore, I had two roommates who joined Jenny Craig while abroad and found great success in doing so, as the meals and Jenny Craig locations were readily available for their dietary needs.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our program Resident Director did an excellent job is getting students involved and keeping us well aware of activities going on. Some of my favorite events were the local art shows and exhibits and streets fairs. My roommates and I also organized trips to Hunter Valley for a wine tour and the Blue Mountains for abseiling and caving. Our program also organized an incredible orientation and farewell dinner for all of the students.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My parents and I were extremely pleased with the overall safety of Sydney and Australia at large. While Sydney is a big city, I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable walking anywhere by myself, even at night. Even though I felt very comfortable, I would still always recommend to future students to travel with a partner or a close friend because you can never be too careful. I cannot personally comment on the healthcare situation, because I never had to go to the doctor while abroad, I do know that my roommates or friends that did had a positive, efficient experience that was helpful and easily accessible. Our program gave us a list of necessary numbers and tips to assisted us in the best way to seek medical attention if needed. Luckily, too, there were nno prevalent health issues in Sydney that required us to receive vaccines for this program.

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

Select all that apply

• Apartment

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• Americans

• Australian culture as a whole
• My location and housing accommodations
• The People and friends I met

• I wish I was made more aware of the internship opportunities available