Exploring the Land of Oz Past Review

By (Biology w/ a focus in Animal Science, University of Cincinnati) - abroad from 07/11/2012 to 11/16/2012 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Wollongong - University of Wollongong

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned heaps about myself and a lot about other cultures. It was more than worthwhile.

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network: Wollongong - University of Wollongong Photo The Education Abroad Network: Wollongong - University of Wollongong Photo The Education Abroad Network: Wollongong - University of Wollongong Photo The Education Abroad Network: Wollongong - University of Wollongong Photo The Education Abroad Network: Wollongong - University of Wollongong 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.

It was academically rigorous but the resources were great.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were a great help and heaps fun when we were in Sydney but once I got to Wollongong I didn't really hear from them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved the International House, it is a great community and a great place to live.

* Food:

The food could have been better and more varied.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living at Ihouse you get to experience a wide variety of cultures but there are also quite a few Australians living there from all over Australia and they are always keen to share what their hometowns are like and traditions are.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt safe in Wollongong, it is kind of like a small town and a city mixed together but i always felt safe.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $20

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* 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?
  • People
  • Location
  • Freedom
* What could be improved?
  • Food
  • Amount of free time
  • Cultural Integration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I'd known more what the weather was like and how their education system worked.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.