Don't miss studying abroad in Australia!! Past Review

By Amber M (Physics., University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

The five months I spent abroad were probably the best five months of my life. I gained so much out of studying abroad that it is hard to put it into words. I think that everyone should take the opportunity to study abroad at some point during their college career. You will not be sorry that you did, I promise!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	It was very interesting to have classes taught in another country. You get to learn more about their culture and the way the students interact with professors. I took a world politics class in Australia and it was so fascinating to learn about world politics from another country's perspective. The work load was very different from the United State: whereas here you are graded on many homework assignments, quizes, and tests, in Australia, only a few select items count towards your grade. I loved Sydney Uni and the campus was gorgeous, but the classes were not easy. Therefore, I would recommend taking two core classes and two electives instead of bogging yourself down with a difficult work load because eveyone wants to enjoy the country while they are abroad!
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The Education Abroad Network is a great program to study abroad through. They are with you every step of the way, from picking classes, to scheduling flights, to packing, to immersing yourself in the culture, etc. Also, everything provided by the Education Abroad Network was above and beyond my expectations, such as the housing (phenomenal), orientation, and the staff. I truly feel that they made my study abroad experience the best it could be.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The housing provided by the Education Abroad Network was absolutely fantastic. I was in a high rise apartment in Bondi Junction, which is a great cultural area and five minutes from Bondi Beach, and I had a view of the Opera House and the Sydney skyline from the balcolny. The housing was very safe and I couldn't have asked for anything better.
* Food:	Food in Australia isn't as good in the USA, but I'm a picky eater so my opinion might not count for anything.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Australians are fun, upbeat, cultural, and great people to be around. Orientation with the Education Abroad Network got you immersed in the culture and taught you all of the "Australian" customs, which I felt very helpful. Also, we had monthly social events arranged by our resident director in Sydney.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I never once felt unsafe or felt that I was at risk for health issues. The Education Abroad really takes care of you.
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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Anyone who wants to have fun, get a great cultural experience, and have an easy process of studying abroad should definitely look into the Education Abroad Network. They are a great value and everything they provided for me was above and beyond my expectations. I would highly recommend this program.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Differences in Culture: An Intro
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This was a great course for anyone who wants to learn about the Aboriginal Australians, which I highly recommend because their culture is so fascinating.
Credit Transfer Issues:	no

Course Name/Rating:	World Politics
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Interesting for any world poltics major (or anyone interested in world politics) who wants to get the perspective from another country. I enjoyed this class
Credit Transfer Issues:	no