the most terrifying enjoyment I could imagine in a life changing experience. Past Review
By Justin W (Communication and Media Studies, Other, University of North Carolina - Wilmington) - abroad from 02/16/2015 to 06/04/2015 with
University of Canberra: Canberra - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned about the world as a whole, I learned about myself as a person, and how people can be so similar, despite being worlds apart. I don't believe I can define all of the things I took away from this, but I can say it will forever define me.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I would say that it was really no more difficult course work, however exploring the country and becoming part of the culture is really important. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
there was a great amount of help provided to me, and there was a genuine connection at all times |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was very pleased with the housing situation, I was prepared for less suitable facilities, thought he prices were higher than what I'm used too. |
| * Food: |
Food was plenty good, and not something that I would complain about |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was difficult at times to overcome cultural differences, time is what it takes really. Overall I feel as though I was able to adjust very well, while retaining and sharing my own cultural identity. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
never needed it. |
| * Safety: |
despite finding myself in a foreign country, and all alone at the start, I never felt as though I was unsafe. |
| 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) |
In comparison to the U.S. and despite a favourable exchange rate, Australia is an extremely expensive country to live in. It is possible to overcome, however takes a lot. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 is easy to spend in a weeks time at minimum |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | seeking part time work is very easy, and should be done early on in your stay, there are ways to avoid traveling costs by going in groups, using buses rather than planes. Hostels are generally nice and a cheap alternative to hotels. Eating lots of pasta and peanut butter is great travel food to avoid eating out. |
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? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | I can say I was about as prepared as I could have been without actually experiencing my time here. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
