Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing five months Down Under! Past Review

By (Quinnipiac University) - abroad from 01/29/2018 to 06/30/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became so much more independent and gained many new perspectives. I learned to make the most of every day, because I had such a limited amount of time there. it was 100% worthwhile, because I got to meet so many amazing people and travel to places I never would've had the opportunity to go to and do some things I never would've done.

Review Photos

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

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.

The UTS instructors were some of the smartest I've ever had. They were definitely experts in their field, and the University itself had top-notch facilities.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

TEAN was so helpful with any questions I had before during and after my program. The orientation up in Cairns was such an amazing experience, and the housing in Sydney could not have been better. All of the TEAN activities during the semester were so cool, and some exposed me to things I might not have even thought to do.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The Urbanest Sydney Central apartment complex is so nice and in such close proximity to everything you would want to do in Sydney. It was so close to Central Station too, that for the things that weren't in walking distance, they were really easy to get to on public transportation.

* Food:

So many amazing restaurants! Sydney has a heavy Italian and Asian influence, so their Italian and Asian cuisine was absolutely delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The students at "uni" were very welcoming and friendly to Americans and warmed up to us right away.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got salmonella and the flu while I was there, and because of the insurance that TEAN comes with, the school doctor was easy and free to access, and any prescriptions and blood work I needed had the costs reimbursed to me.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe at all, and that's something I can't say for many places. I wouldn't dare walking alone at night in any city here, but never had any issues doing it while in Sydney. Obviously keep your wits about you, but I would be surprised to hear of any problems.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved every minute of my program, and Sydney is an amazing and friendly city with so many things to do. Between the beautiful beaches and landmarks, and the diverse culture, I don't think I ever would've gotten bored, and I wish I could've stayed so much longer.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-$200 depending on traveling
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take long trips on public transportation on Sundays, because on Sundays the cap is only $2.60 no matter how many trips you go on. Also Tiger Air has great prices on flights all throughout Australia, and on Tuesdays (Tiger Tuesdays) the prices are even cheaper!

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
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Great experiences
  • Amazing housing location
  • Beautiful city
* What could be improved?
  • More interactions with locals, less with Americans/tourists
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It will go by faster than you think! Experience everything you possibly can and don't wait until the last month to cram stuff in!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.