Awesome Australia! Past Review
By Diana H (Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Cincinnati) for
The School for Field Studies / SFS: Australia – Rainforest studies
Yes it was definitely worth it. There's just a type of learning experience you can't get elsewhere, other than studying abroad. I realized that there is a world of things to discover (literally!) and that we need to be taking advantage of these moments!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There was a very hands on approach to learning with this program. Everything we learned was relevant to our studies. We were able to immerse ourselves in our studies in a way that wouldn't have been possible at my home university. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everything was taken care for us while we were away at our study abroad location. Occasionally there were some electrical difficulties, but I don't believe it impacted me greatly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
All the students lived in cabins out in the rain forest. Definitely a plus when studying about rain forest ecology. It was pretty humid all the time (side effect of living in the rain forest) so occasionally there would be mold on our belongings. |
| * Food: |
I felt we had an array of food to choose from. However it seemed a bit harder for vegetarians |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our program was very accommodating and drove us to places when we had free time. There is an overnight in Cairns where we are allowed to explore the city. Many of us went to the Great Barrier Reef and snorkeled. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt threatened or scared. Very nice area. |
| 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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't think twice. Do it! If you're environmentally aware and interested this is for you. |
