Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life-Changing! Past Review

By (University of Iowa) - abroad from 02/17/2014 to 06/20/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It made me more independent and confident. It was the best experience I could ask for.

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.

I took upper level courses so they were much more challenging and required more work than general ed. courses that other students took.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food that we received on TEAN sponsored trips was delicious and filling and worked with vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

TEAN really integrated us into the community and helped us get familiar with the city during orientation.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The building we stayed in had 24/7 security and I always felt safe.

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)

If you like to eat out, it's definitely going to be more expensive. If you only cook for yourself, however, it's very easy.

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?
  • Trips offered
  • supportive TEAN staff
  • Housing and roommate matching
* What could be improved?
  • Cleaning services offered.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the upper level courses at USydney were very challenging and took up a lot of my time that I wish I could've spent exploring Sydney. I still had ample time but I definitely was writing more papers than other students abroad.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.