Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Can't wait to go back! Past Review

By (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo) - abroad from 06/24/2018 to 07/15/2018 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Traveling - Australian Environment, Wildlife and Conservation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I can succeed when put outside of my comfort zone. I also learned that traveling costs a lot of money, but its worth every penny.

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Traveling - Australian Environment, Wildlife and Conservation Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Traveling - Australian Environment, Wildlife and Conservation Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Traveling - Australian Environment, Wildlife and Conservation 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.

I absolutely loved this program! The professors are extremely knowledgeable and answered every question that we could think of. The program is the perfect length of 3 weeks so we were busy the entire time but still had time to have fun. I had never been out of the country before, but TEAN made it such an easy transition and organized all the events very well. This is an unforgettable experience that everyone needs to try!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All of the TEAN staff were very helpful in answering any questions that I had (which were a lot) and in a timely manner. The staff were always wanting to help in anyway that they could which made this trip go smoothly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed in various hostels and one apartment which were all very nice. I had never stayed at a hostel before, and I was pleasantly surprised with the staff and accommodations.

* Food:

There was a lot of variety in food options in every place that we stayed.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This course really dives into the culture and history of Australia. We learned a lot about how the Indigenous people and others all work and live together today.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I discovered that I had a dry socket from getting my tooth pulled a couple days before my trip. I thought that there was nothing I could do, but I called a local dentist who got me in that day and made me feel like family. I had such a great experience.

* Safety:

I never had any safety issues or concerns during this program. We were always in safe cities and towns where everyone was very willing to help if you needed anything.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would choose a longer program because I didn't want to leave.

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 lot of money on food since only breakfast was the only meal included in the program.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200-300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make some of your own meals at the hostels! It'll save you money and you can make extra for the next meal as well!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • 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?
  • The people
  • The subject
  • The place
* What could be improved?
  • Add another week in the outback.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be so nervous, everyone is in the same boat. Be yourself and strive to learn all that you can.

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.