Once in a lifetime experience.Warm weather, nice people, active lifestyle. Past Review

By Charlotte D (PSYCHOLOGY., Middlebury College) - abroad from 07/23/2014 to 11/01/2014 with

The University of New South Wales: Sydney - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I loved it. I learned a lot about how to do things on your own. I was very independent, I was one of the only students from Middlebury(and only girl) that went to UNSW, so i was forced to really branch out and take risks both socially and academically.

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.	For the most part, i had an incredible educational experience here at UNSW, in terms of exposure to a multitude of various classes with regards to my major that I wouldn't have been able to find back at Middlebury, along with just a change in class dynamics. I was able to take an elective that satisfied a major requirement that I loved. I was also able to take classes with multiple professors, and around 300 students, which is a stark difference from classes I take at Midd. I liked it because I had a ton of free time and the lectures were ALWAYS posted online, video and audio recording, so if you had other priorities during a class period one day (weekend vaca getaway to new zealand for example!), you would not have to be stressed about missing any class. The class atmosphere allowed for a rigorous academic life but at the same time allowed for more free time to explore Australian culture and do the things you wouldnt get to do at home.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I lived on the beach in a suburb called Coogee, right outside of Sydney. It was incredible. Very safe, beautiful, and had everything i needed in this small little beach town.
* Food:	SO EXPENSIVE. the one downside i'd say. I made my meals pretty much everyday because it was so expensive to eat out.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Wasn't as big of a culture shock as i expected. But definitely a different lifestyle in Australia. Very laid back, casual and the people were all very friendly!
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
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?	200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Take the bus! or walk! The weather permits you to do that,, take advantage and save money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?	0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	The academic schedule Free time Flexibility in terms of choosing classes
* What could be improved?	housing accommodations with help from Midd
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I mentioned my favorite aspects of the program academically, but in terms of my overall experience my favorite part was the weather and everything it brought with it. In that sense, i wish i had actually known before coming that there ARE seasons in Australia, and it can get very chilly in the winter. Pack pants and sweaters. The weather is amazing, but in July, Aug, Sept and beginning of October it can get chilly, especially where I lived near the beach.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.	The Outright Urbanite A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Marine Environment
Course Department:	Science
Instructor:	At least 5 Instructors
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course was underratedly challenging. A friend of mine told me to take it upon arrival because it was apparently very "easy" and classes consisted of mostly field trips. The teachers were all different, which was difficult because it was hard to establish relationships with each since they each taught very infrequently. I never participated in class because our lecture was over 200 people, and there wasn't really any opportunity to participate during lecture times. Assessments included a mid term, a final, 2 peer review article assignments, and 3 field trips evaluation response papers. My one caution is that if you end up taking the course, DO NOT underestimate the work you need to put into it to get a good grade. I would recommend going to most every lecture, because the powerpoints that were posted online rendered little information about the lectures. I would also say be wary that you will have three field trips throughout the course of the Semester and they are all on Sunday or Saturday mornings around 8 am, so if you plan on traveling a ton (which i urge you to do) I would keep that in mind.
Credit Transfer Issues:	I had no problems trransferring credits, just make sure you speak with your advisor before hand regarding any classes you want to take that could potentially fulfill major requirements.