New Zealand & Australia Rainforest Program Past Review
By Erica H (Art and Environmental Entrepreneurship, Trinity University) for
The School for Field Studies / SFS: Australia – Rainforest studies
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was a marvelous experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I met amazing people that all had a common interest in the environment, and I now know people from all over the United States and Australia. I've learned so much from them, as I'm sure they've learned from me. It's important to keep in mind how our actions impact one another, not just in the present but in history, and feel obligated to correct these inequalities. I still plan to have a career in Environmental Policy, and do my best to work with the government to protect the environment we all share.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Cabin or camp like facility. <br /><br /> Housing was suitable for field environment and context of the program. Lived in a cabin within walking distance of a bathroom and classroom center. |
| * Food: |
Handled vegetarians very well. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Amazing. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Despite living in the middle of the rainforest, we were briefed on animals and insects to look out for. |
| 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 $AUD30 during the week, except for a break during the program in which I flew to Sydney and spent over $400 on souvenirs, hostel, and food (aside from flight). Weekend breaks were about $100 for hostel, drinks, food, souvenirs. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Mentioned above. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
Featured Program Providers
