Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living in the Rainforest January 31, 2025

By (Environmental Science and Ecology, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/04/2024 to 12/08/2024 with

The School for Field Studies / SFS: Australia – Rainforest studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a great deal about living and working in the field. I learned more about time management and planning ahead of time. It was extremely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

So many resources and opportunities to meet with field experts.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The professors and staff were great and very helpful!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Cabins and ablution blocks were clean and fairly easy to get to.

* Food:

Food available all day, with fridges full of snacks.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Despite living in the Rainforest, there were many instances to travel and meet people outside of the campus center and learn about the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We were able to get taken to doctors off campus if need be in a timely manner

* Safety:

No issues came up.

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

If was a very unique once in a lifetime opportunity.

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)

Needed spare money to travel and live off center, but this was know ahead of time.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • The professors and people
  • Living in the Rainforest
  • The animals
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That everyone really is as kind and welcoming as it seems

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.