Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Good onya and no worries! Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., Fitchburg State College) - abroad from 06/20/2011 to 07/20/2011 with

University of Adelaide: Adelaide - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I love to travel to different countries to see other peoples' way of life. You can read all about different countries but cannot get the experience unless you physically travel there.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I took two full credit courses within 5 weeks that included full class days, research papers, and field trips. During the summer the library was open for research and professors made themselves available for extra help.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing accommodations were very nice. I shared my apartment with one other girl and we each had our own room. We had a full kitchen, living room, bathroom, and laundry in our apartment. The only downfall was that the housing was about a mile and a half walk from the campus. We never figured out the public transportation so we got our exercise in while studying abroad!

* Food:

Food was just like home! Grocery stores we easy to find and had a lot of name brands recognizable from home. Prices were much more pricer than what I was used to at home, however. There was also plenty of opportunity to try the local cuisine like kangaroo meat and Vegemite!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were often asked where we were from. When we replied the USA we were then informed "Yes we know, where in the USA?" Although we could be identified by our accents we were always welcomed by the local community. You could always strike up a friendly conversation with someone you just met at the coffee shop.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues during my program but had international health insurance and a card that I carried on me in case of emergency.

* Safety:

Although our housing was far from the campus, at night there was a free shuttle service offered for students. I used this often if a class got out after dark or if I went grocery shopping by myself.

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

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 and Adelaide in particular were very expensive compared to living costs back in the United States. My roommate and I shared food costs and often cooked in our apartment to avoid spending money going out to eat.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I would say about $150 to $200 each week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look into food costs and conversion rates for your program destination ahead of time! Make sure you factor in these food and personal expenses to your overall program expenses before deciding on a program destination.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb!
  • Meeting other students from the United States and Australia
  • Traveling to another country and experiencing their way of life.
* What could be improved?
  • The excursions in Adelaide
  • Closer living accommodations or a 101 on public transportation!
  • Better understanding of conversion rates and food/personal costs before departure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much more expensive living costs are in Australia versus 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.