Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best Choice I Ever Made! Past Review

By (Elementary Education and Environmental Studies, Stonehill College) - abroad from 02/10/2013 to 06/29/2013 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Townsville - James Cook University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more independant and how to rely on myself to solve problems. I made friends with people from another country, and I threw myself into the Australian culture. I loved every second of my time in Australia and my only regret was that I couldn't travel a little bit more while I was there. I made friends who are now as close to me as family and I have so many great memories from my time with them. I learned more in a semester than I had in two and a half years of college and I am so glad that I made the choice to step out of my comfort zone and explore a different country.

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Townsville - James Cook University Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes I took in Australia were great! I learned a lot about the fauna of this country and I really enjoyed taking environmental classes from an Australian perspective.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really liked having a single, and we had great facilities such as our own bathroom and fridge. Our room was a bit small, but other than that the dorms we lived it were comfortable and satisfactory.

* Food:

There was usually only one option for dinner and we had sandwiches most days for lunch. The food wasn't too bad, but the lack of options was difficult sometimes.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made several Australian friends while I was abroad, and I was able to do that because I lived on-campus at James Cook University.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no healthcare issues while abroad.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Townsville and I didn't experience any problems while I was there.

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 spent a reasonable amount/week on normal expenses and food in addition to my meal plan. Food is more expensive in Australia, and I could definitely tell the difference when I bought food.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The paperwork was very streamlined and they really helped with all my forms and paperwork before departure.
  • TEAN provided some programs for us while we were there such as a trip to Magnetic Island and going to a Cowboys Rugby game.
  • We were provided with emails about suggestions on what to do in Australia and what events were going on near us.
* What could be improved?
  • nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt very prepared for my time abroad before I left the United States. I think TEAN did a great job prepping me for Australia.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'