SFS Centre for Rainforest Studies was an amazing experience. Past Review
By Riley B (Environmental science, Linfield College) for
The School for Field Studies / SFS: Australia – Rainforest studies
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. It was challenging but rewarding. I had never done field work before and this program prepared me for my career as a biologist.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was similar to how some graduate or upper level undergrad work is. The teaching methods were great for the most part, however one teacher did not explain things adequately, yet expected us to know exactly what they meant. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I had no problem with the program administration. I felt the did a great job. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Great |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
meeting and working with locals |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Even though Australia has a lot of deadly animals, I felt safe at the centre because of all the prep the administrators provided. |
| 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?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I didn't have any preconceived ideas of how SFS Centre for Rainforest studies would go. I just remember driving up the Gillies and pulling into the 1km driveway that opened up into this amazing place that I would call home for 3 months. The people were great, the teachers were helpful, our interns were a godsend, and overall I felt that it was a perfect study abroad. I appreciated having class 6 days a week. We didn't do a lot of 4-wall learning and that is what field work is really about. I am now in my 1st year of PhD (and have my master's) and I feel that the SFS really helped me become the scientist I am today! |
