Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Really expensive but worth it Past Review

By (Biology, General., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 02/24/2014 to 06/24/2014 with

The University of Queensland: Brisbane - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned what is is like to live in another English speaking country half-way across the globe.

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.

The classes instructors were knowledgeable and helpful. There was a disjunction between what was taught and what was tested. There were general instructions given but the grading was very strict. What was expected in order to get a perfect grade was not made clear. Also there was a large emphasis on the final exam, it was impossible to pass the class unless the final was passed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived at a share house in West End with 21 other international students, It was about as expensive as living in Austin but it was at a fun part of town.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

There was an exchange student murdered while I was there...so not the safest city in the world

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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 REALLY EXPENSIVE!!! $200 a week for rent, $20 a week for public transport, $50 a week for groceries

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • experience
  • travel
  • independence
* What could be improved?
  • preparation
  • budget
  • classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about how they graded and to save up more money than I had so I could travel more.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

ARTT2103
Course Department: Art History
Instructor: Professor Sally Butler
Instruction Language: English
Comments: There were weekly writing assessments and reading due. There are also two large writing assignments and a final essay. This is a seminar held once a week, every seminar being 3 hours long. There are some seminars held on campus and some held at art galleries and museums around Brisbane. The instructor is very knowledgeable and likes to discuss with the students.
Credit Transfer Issues: The course was pre-approved so there should be no issues transferring it over. It is a good class to take if you want to learn about aboriginal culture through art.
Course Name/Rating:

BIOL3207
Course Department: Science
Instructor: Cribb, Goldizen
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course contained a lot of interesting information about animal behavior. Course was very challenging because it required a research project, paper, and presentation on top of a final. The professors were eager to help but the grading was very strict. It's difficult to get used to the lecturing style because they rotate lecturers. The research project is a group project which also made things challenging. The worst part is that the final is 50% of your final grade, so if you do not do well on the final, you will not pass the class.
Credit Transfer Issues: This class was pre-approved so if it counts toward your major take it. But be aware it is an upper level class and requires a lot of time both inside and outside of the classroom.
Course Name/Rating:

BIOL2010
Course Department: Science
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was not very interesting and most of the lecturers will put you to sleep in the first 15 mins. There are tutorials you are required to attend after having read a scientific paper, and quizzes. All the quizzes are very difficult and the lab is a group assignment. There is a lack of specific instruction regarding what is expected of you and they grade harshly.
Credit Transfer Issues: The credit is supposed to transfer but save yourself and do not take this class.