AUSsome Past Review
By Grant L (History And English, Presbyterian College) for
The University of Queensland: Brisbane - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I definitely gained more independence and confidence by having to interact with people from all different backgrounds and nationalities. This experience has driven my desire to want to continue traveling and appreciate the unique aspects of other countries.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading scale was definitely different, ranging from pass to high distinction rather than A-F. Percentage wise, the scales could be roughly equated, but higher percentages (the equivalent of an A) were given a lot less frequently. For examples, Australian students were satisfied with middle-range grades rather than accustomed to the higher grades. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I never really felt the need to use these services, but support services such as tutoring programs and personal counselors seemed to be readily available. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment complex located a short walk from campus. Although not technically 'student-housing' the majority of residents were students. Each apartment has four residents, and usually consisted of at least one local student and a mixture of 3 other international students. |
| * Food: |
This was my first time having to cook for myself. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
surf camp, snorkeling and deep sea fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, sky diving, Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road, Sydney |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
felt very comfortable and safe, never sick |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Probably around $100/week. Food and other commodities are generally more expensive, and it also depends on the strength of the US dollar. I also took advantage of all the travel opportunities, so that contributed to a lot of spending, as well. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Books are really expensive because the school's bookstore doesn't re-buy books at the end of the semester, so all books are new. It might be a good idea to look up books ahead of time and try to order on amazon or another website. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | academic life isn't the most exciting at this university, but the surroundings are amazing. This program is definitely for an active person who will take full advantage of all Australia has to offer. |
