An empowering, valuable, and enriching life experience! June 10, 2023

By A student (Psychology, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/03/2023 to 05/15/2023 with

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

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

I gained an empowering sense of independence. Although living alone and navigating a new country certainly contributed to my evolution, the time difference was a key factor. Being 16 hours ahead of everyone you know at home completely removes the crutch of texting or calling when you have little hindrances to your day. Although difficult at first, this was great for me!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I had a very positive experience at UNSW. In comparison to Middlebury, UNSW is a massive student body. I really appreciated UNSW's resources, inclusive student life, and welcoming professors.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	They were relatively difficult to contact until I was in Australia.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	It was difficult to acquire housing in the beginning which added to the frustration regarding the lack of communication. However, once it was all sorted I had an incredible time with my roommates.
* Food:	UNSW did not provide me with food. In terms of cuisine, Australia is very similar to the U.S..
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I made some of my best friends, who were Australian, and was at ease integrating into their culture.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	The healthcare system is accessible and easy, however, you must get an Australian bank account to make a claim, which was not clear.
* Safety:	Safer than the U.S. in most ways!
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes Although Australia can be celebrated for its beauty alone, the best part of my time there was the connections I made. I entered into an incredible Australian friend group and expanded my own horizons to the farthest corner of the globe. I am proud of myself and I am a better person for having spent my semester at UNSW.

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)	3 (Sydney is very expensive but you can definitely manage if you are smart with your money)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	175 aud
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Plan! Make grocery lists and decide how many times you can eat out at the beginning of the week

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	International Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students International 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 people The culture The accessibility to nature
* What could be improved?	Communication from the UNSW abroad office Allow exchange students to live at the colleges
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Nothing. I had some friends who went to UNSW the term before me so that was definitely helpful to have.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Indigenous Australia
Course Department:	Indigenous Studies
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The teacher was knowledgeable on the topic. However, for many of us who had no prior knowledge on the aboriginal people of Australia it was difficult to digest the information he presented as it was at a level that required background knowledge.
Credit Transfer Issues: