Sydney is a great place to go abroad! Past Review

By A student (Middlebury College) - abroad from 07/24/2017 to 11/20/2017 with

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

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

I got to experience an entirely different academic system. While it was incredibly challenging to acclimate to this new environment, I think that I managed quite successfully in the end. Not only am I proud at overcoming initial challenges, but I appreciate the small-class environment of Middlebury so much more now! I'm so excited to go back!

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.	I had a wonderful experience in all departments, and my professors were incredibly engaging and available!
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	I did direct enrollment, so it was pretty easy!
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The Terrace Apartments are great, but there is no heating so they can get a bit cold!
* Food:	I did not sign up for a meal plan.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Americans are definitely singled out in Australia, but the cultures are relatively similar.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I went to a local clinic for a minor infection, and it was very straightforward and decently inexpensive!
* Safety:	I felt very safe!
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes I appreciated the direct enrollment at USNW, because it meant that I had absolute freedom with my own schedule, and abroad experience. I was just another student at the university!

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)	Australia is expensive!
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Probably around $200-300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Try to go out to eat as little as possible!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university?	Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students Americans International Students
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?	I really enjoyed the discussion section attached to each lecture. It gave students a great opportunity to form closer connections with classmates and professors.
* What could be improved?	I think that the ECON1203 curriculum could be improved dramatically, but the tutors explained to me that they have experienced significant difficulties regarding funding.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Abroad is going to fly by, so make the most of every single second!

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:	Media, Society, Politics
Course Department:	Arts and Social Sciences
Instructor:	Collin Chua
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This was a great class! Collin's lectures were relatively engaging, and he was very open for outside assistance. The discussion sections were a bit boring, and generally did not clarify the material any further, but that was only one hour a week. Assessments took the form of papers, which were stimulating but challenging.
Credit Transfer Issues:	I should have no problem transferring credit!

Course Name/Rating:	Australian Legends
Course Department:	Arts and Social Sciences
Instructor:	Grace Karskens
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This was a wonderful class! Professor Karskens is really wonderful, and very passionate about the material. Discussions were engaging and interactive, pulling the whole class in. Readings each week supplemented the lectures, and assessments came in the form of papers and presentations. Material for assessments was generally chosen by the students, which allowed students to pursue areas of interest.
Credit Transfer Issues:	I should have no problem transferring credit!

Course Name/Rating:	Business and Economic Statistics
Course Department:	Business School
Instructor:	Rachida Ouysse
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course was unnecessarily challenging. The material presented in lecture was straightforward, but the method of assessment was ridiculous. Understanding of material was judged through pop-quizzes, before the material had been reviewed on homework. The partner project required computer programs not covered in class, and also called for the application of material that had not yet been covered in class. It appears no one proof read the final, because it was covered in typos, and one whole problem was so poorly constructed that it could not be solved (the regression was broken). I do feel that I learned a great amount, but that was largely due to my own dedication and constant studying. All of these challenges just meant that I had to take more control of my education!
Credit Transfer Issues:	I had the credit pre-approved as a substitute for economic statistics, so I should have no problem!

Course Name/Rating:	Aboriginal Sydney
Course Department:	Arts and Social Sciences
Instructor:	Sarah Keech
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This was a great class! The professor made the information engaging and exciting, as well as applicable. I participated about the same amount as I would have at Middlebury. We were assessed through papers alone, and the grading was very fair!
Credit Transfer Issues:	I should have no problem transferring credit.