Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Summer Down Under Past Review

By (Hospitality Administration/Management., Michigan State University) - abroad from 06/18/2014 to 07/25/2014 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN: The Australian Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much from this trip, from experiences I never thought were possible and friends from all over the world. I was able to climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge, swim at the Great Barrier Reef and go white water rafting at the Tully River. My program was focused directly along the curriculum I am studying at Michigan State and allowed us to go on many beneficial tours in every city. Every day was a new adventure and more than worthwhile. Every penny saved and spent was worth it during my 5 weeks abroad. Australia has always been a dream of mine to travel to, and I am so glad I got the experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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)

I had saved for this trip and created a budget before hand. I was able to spend less than I projected by what I saved.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I chose to spend my money on the excursions or food that isn't in America. I chose to budget very well for this trip and save more than I would like to spend, which gave me a little security while spending abroad.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Excursions
  • TEAN staff
* What could be improved?
  • Different breakfast food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What I wish I knew before, would be

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.