Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Australia Summer Session 2: Truly Incredible Experience Past Review

By (Earth Systems, Stanford University) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Love for nature spiked during my time at the Rainforest Research Center in Australia. I appreciate my time there so much. It very much changed my life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Workload was VERY manageable. You have the ability to learn a whole lot more than they require, however. Keep yourself engaged and you will learn a ton. Grading is fair -if you work hard, you'll do well. Teaching methods are very hands-on; you're in the field quite a lot, and it's always interesting. The best part was the community: the research professors are amazing and very skilled in their field; my peers were all smart, talented, conscientious and passionate about doing something good for the world. Also, I went as a high school graduate/incoming freshman and the work load was fine for me, and should be fine for anyone who's taken some higher level classes in high school (APs, etc). It was an incredible experience and I highly recommend it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Tight-knit community at the Rainforest Research Center means all your questions get answered very quickly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived in Cabin. Always moist/humid but that is the price you must pay to study in the rainforest. Otherwise very comfortable!

* Food:

THE FOOD WAS INCREDIBLE. SO. GOOD. Also, lots of options for vegetarians.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Trip to Cairns was incredible. Also Milla Milla waterfall. You develop an emotional attachment to our planet - kickstarting your motivation to learn more/study more!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It's very safe in the rainforest. Watch out for Cassowaries.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Peers were talented, smart, conscientious and driven.
  • Constant interaction with nature is very hands-on and engaging.
  • Professors were passionate and great within their field.
* What could be improved?
  • More time in the field, less time in the classroom
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring enthusiasm to your program and you will have an amazing time. Always be engaged! An outgoing student concerned about the environment would benefit most from this program.