Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Semester Ever! Past Review

By (Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 02/18/2013 to 07/01/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad showed me what actually living and experiencing a country was. I had traveled to a lot of places around the world, including Australia, before studying abroad, but I had never stayed in a place for more than a week. Being immersed in the culture of Australia was a unique experience that I've never had while traveling before. Studying abroad allowed me to see that there is so much more to traveling and a place than just doing the "touristy" things.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes at the University of Sydney are really difficult to get high grades in. There are usually only a couple of assignments or a couple of exams for a class so it is really important to stay on top of things. Also, teachers in Australia don't give out as good of grades. To teachers in Australia, passing a class means you did well.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Getting to my classes on Cumberland Campus (the health science campus) was a pain. I had to take two trains and a bus to get there and it took about an hour one way. However, I loved where I lived in Bondi Junction. It was right by the beach and across the street from a huge shopping center. The living arrangements were also really nice.

* 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

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)

Australia is very expensive!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Close to $200

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?
  • Location--Sydney!!!
  • Meeting Americans studying abroad too
  • Housing arrangements
* What could be improved?
  • Location of housing to campus
  • Meeting more locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how difficult my classes were going to be. I was not prepared to have to work hard and I definitely had to.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!