Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life changing semester in Sydney! Past Review

By (Communication, Saint Mary's College of California) - abroad from 07/17/2012 to 11/24/2012 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Sydney - University of Notre Dame Sydney

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became a lot more independent and confident in going out and doing things on my own. I learned and experienced a new culture and have integrated their work ethics and lifestyle into how I live today. Going to Sydney was the best decision I've made in my college career because I really challenged myself and what I can do, all while experiencing such an amazing country and culture.

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.

Going to all of my classes and completing all assignments was very important to me. I also made many friends in my classes and tutorials. The study abroad staff at the University of Notre Dame Sydney checked in on me and other students in my program quite frequently and even planned field trips just for international students. They did an excellent job with making us feel comfortable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The TEAN staff as well as study abroad staff at the University of Notre Dame Sydney were very helpful and willing to answer any questions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great location and living facilities. I highly recommend them to other students who wish to study abroad.

* Food:

Since I lived in an apartment, I was responsible for my own food. However, TEAN had a few coffee social events and dinners for the students in the program which were very fun and the food was delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Although I lived with all American students, I was able to make many friends outside of them. I made many friends at school and met people through their friends. The location I lived also made me feel a part of the city life and 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

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)

Sydney has a very high cost of living.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $150 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely keep a separate fund for savings for your trip, especially if you don't plan on having a job while abroad. I paid for most of my food and spending for activities, so saving up my own money for six months helped me out a lot.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • housing
  • orientation week
* What could be improved?
  • time of arrival in Sydney- we were all exhausted when we arrived and did not want to really do anything but rest
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to budget better in my weekly spendings

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.