Studying on the Great Barrier Reef Australia! Past Review
By Jenny K (Criminology, University of Maryland - College Park) for
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Townsville - James Cook University
I really gained alot of personal achievements abroad. Being totally submerged into a foreign country really tested my independence on so many levels. I can now relate to another country and another culture. I find that so interesting! I really miss it already! The academics have helped me keep an open mind to learning in my current classes at my home institution!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics abroad were just so different than what I was use to. There is a lot of responsbility on the student, so that took time to get use to. There is no one there telling you to do your work or giving you a heads up on upcoming assignments,like there is here in the states. It was hard for me, at times, to understand the accent, but I got use to it after a few weeks! All over, a great academic experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I was able to contact my advisors by e-mail and they all answered very quickly. All very helpful and I enjoyed the program very much. TEAN made it very easy for me to adjust to being abroad in a foreign country. I loved it! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
There was no A/C in my dorm and I was soo not use to that! But, in the end, it didn't really matter. I got use to living in a dorm again very quickly. I loved being fully submerged into the Australian culture. |
| * Food: |
Very bland, but it was nice! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
TEAN planned multiple excurions for us to go on. They were all very enjoyable. Right when we got there, we had a tour around the town so we knew where all our necessities were located. This was very helpful! TEAN also planned dinners through out the whole semester which was nice because we all got to come together, as Americans, and enjoy Aussie food! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
No complaints, all was well. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I suggest anyone and everyone to go abroad because it truly changes you as a person for the better. It really makes you be more independent. I, personally, learned a lot about myself and what is truly important to me. There will never be enough good things I can say about going abroad. It's just one of those decisions you just have to go with, follow your heart and you will never be let down. I promise you will not come home unhappy. I want to go back so bad! |
