Life-chaging experience within one semester -- guaranteed! Past Review

By (University of Missouri - Columbia) - abroad from 02/02/2017 to 06/17/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to take risks and do what you love. I chose marine biology for a career path purely because I am passionate and love the ocean. Going abroad to JCU helped me to make this decision.

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.

TEAN Abroad is an amazing program to study abroad with. They personally take you on an orientation before classes begin that helps you to better integrate into the culture and learn more about the country that you chose to stay. TEAN Abroad helped me decide to study marine biology in Australia and I will be returning to James Cook University for my Masters degree. No other program could make your experience abroad better!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful, on-site TEAN RA's to help you integrate into the culture and be there for anything you need.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Australian accommodations on campus were very nice for those who are used to living abroad. Air con is very nice in this hot climate!

* Food:

On-campus dining very convenient. Not for the picking eaters, but helps you to eat like an Australian local. Gotta try the Vegemite!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Australian local go to uni here so it is easy to meet and make Australian friends. Just be social and reach out to them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

On-campus health care and hospital for and sickness or concern you have. Easily accessible, just call and make an appointment ahead of time and they should get you in quickly.

* Safety:

Always felt safe on-campus and in Townsville. Of course in any place, don't walk alone and be smart, but I never had any concerns.

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

TEAN Abroad is an amazing program to study abroad with. They personally take you on an orientation before classes begin that helps you to better integrate into the culture and learn more about the country that you chose to stay. TEAN Abroad helped me decide to study marine biology in Australia and I will be returning to James Cook University for my Masters degree. No other program could make your experience abroad better!

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)

The only money I spent was for personal trips around the country, but I saved up for those.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe 10-20 AUD depending on if I wanted snacks
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save money for cultural experiences before you go abroad. Chances are when you are abroad, you don't want to be tooo stingy with money because its a once-in-a-lifetime experience

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?
  • tropical weather
  • scuba diving opportunities
  • marine biology
* What could be improved?
  • easier commutes off campus
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You are going to fall in love with Australia and never want to leave. I should've stayed for longer than a semester... or even transferred.

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.'