Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I made memories and built friendships that will last forever! Past Review

By (Education, California Lutheran University) - abroad from 07/13/2017 to 11/12/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained the experiences of a lifetime. I traveled with friends and gained knowledge on how to be a safe and efficient traveler without my parents helping me. It was definitely worthwhile.

Review Photos

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

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.

During my time abroad, I only had class two times a week. It was an ideal schedule to have abroad because it left me plenty of time for traveling. School was different in Australia compared to America because even though we had less class time, we were expected to do more work outside of the classroom. There wasn't as much homework weekly, but essays and exams required more time and effort than they typically would at my home university. I would say college is more challenging in Australia, but I would say that I prefer the class and study schedule in Australia over that in America.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I highly recommend TEAN and their administration. Throughout the whole application process they were easily accessible and were always quick to answer any questions I had. At one point, the advisor they put me with was out of town and unable to answer my questions so they immediately referred my to another counselor that could help answer my questions. I appreciated their willingness to help me right away.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I could not have asked for a better accommodation. I was located right in the center of Wollongong; across the street from the mall, a block away from the main shops and restaurants, and a ten minute walk from the beach. On top of Marketview's prime location, I also had my own room and bathroom, with a queen size bed.

* Food:

One of my favorite things about Wollongong was it's wide array of restaurants. My favorite food to eat in Australia were fish n chips, preferably the fish n chips at Lavendi, located right on the water in Wollongong. Although that was my favorite place, I tried several different restaurants, all of which never disappointed me.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt particularly integrated in the local culture in Wollongong because I was surround by Australians. I was one of two American's in my accommodation and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I went to Australia to learn about their culture and the friends I made in Wollongong made that happen for me.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My last month in Australia when I was swimming, a wave threw me head first into the sand. I was unable to move my arm because of how much pain I felt in my shoulder. When I went to the doctor they took several x-rays and were very thorough before they let me go home. The x-rays didn't show any abnormalities, but they still validated my pain and took great care of me.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Australia, particularly in Wollongong. I never felt uncomfortable walking around by myself, even when I had to walk around at night.

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

I am planning to go back to Wollongong next fall and use TEAN again.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget plan before you go abroad because once you get there, there are so many activities and restaurants you will want to try. In the middle of it all you forget how much money you were originally wanting to spend on certain things.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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
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?
  • I particularly enjoyed how great my advisors were in Australia. They were easily accessible and checked in often to see how our stay was going.
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know how important it is to figure out what places you want to visit before going abroad. There are several places I wish I visited before I left.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.