Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Loved Studying Abroad in Syndey May 14, 2026

By (Computer Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/05/2026 to 05/09/2026 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be more independent and gained valuable experience traveling to other countries around Australia.

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.

Rigor was manageable with focus on big projects instead of smaller homework assignments. Academic assistance from the University in terms of tutor, TA hours, or office hours were non-existent for the courses I took.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I received little to no support on-site however I had few complications where I needed administrative support.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had to arrange housing myself at a College but was very satisfied with my experience. Shalom College was welcoming as they have a fairly large international population.

* Food:

There are on campus restaurants that provide affordable options.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There was littler campus culture or class culture as all lectures are recorded and few students attend class. I made friends primarily through my college.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no issues with my health that required assistance from the healthcare system.

* Safety:

The campus felt safe and when I attended they were doing a campaign against gender based violence, showing their commitment to protecting their students.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved Sydney and all the people I met there, I think that University life in Australia promotes a good work-life balance. I wished I had more time 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)

Excluding my housing cost and meal plan that was provided by my college it was easy to live on a student's budget. Public transportation is also very affordable and easy to navigate.

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
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Academic Support
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wished I had learned more about the Australian education system and how their teaching philosophy differs from the United States.

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:

COMP 6080
Course Department: Computer Science
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: The course was challenging and I encourage students taking the course to start their assignments within the week it is released. The course has asynchronous tutorials with in-person lectures (that are recorded, as required by the University). The professor is knowledgeable and works in the industry however his lectures primarily consist of demonstrations. I felt the assignments were helpful in exposing me to popular languages used in the industry.
Credit Transfer Issues: