Studying Abroad in Australia Past Review

By David D (Accounting, New Mexico State University) for

University of Newcastle: Newcastle - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

It was above and beyond what I expected and I had extremely high expectations to begin with. I was nervous about being so far from home for that length of time but it flew by and before I knew it I was having to come home and leave the friends that I will continue to keep in touch with that I met here.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place:	Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	My classes weren't very demanding as I only had probably ten assignments between all four of my classes. However, I didn't come to Australia to better my education in the class room but more so to gain an experience and education by living on the other side of the world on my own
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	I got all the help I needed in preparing for my trip
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I lived right on Newcastle beach which was right downtown close to all the bars and we had a view of the beach and ocean so it was amazing.
* Food:	The grocery stores don't have a wide variety of food and its more expensive than food at grocery stores in the states
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I had the best times of my life traveling around australia and over Easter break with the people that I met here. But surprisingly I didn't meet a whole lot of Aussies, mostly other Americans studying aboard
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
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)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	I was informed that my trip including everything would cost about 10,000 dollars but I would say if you are wanting to actually see the country and do things its gonna cost double that.

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I didn't actually go through Australearn I was an exchange student so if you are able to do an exchange do it that way because it will be cheaper and you will also get a concessions card for 1/2 transportation which Australearn students can't get

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Intoduction to Aboriginal Studies
Course Department:	ABOR1110
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course is pretty self-explanatory and good for students studying abroad because it doesn't require a lot of outside work. There was an oral presentation followed by a written assignment of the oral presentation, a major essay, and a final.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	PSYC 2300
Course Department:	Cognitive Psychology
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course was very interesting and I liked the structure of the labs and the lectures. It was my favorite class I took while at Newcastle.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	GEOG2130
Course Department:	Geographies of Development
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	I took this course with one of my roomates because he was a Geography major but I hated this class so I wouldn't recommend it if you don't have to take it.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	ECON3060
Course Department:	International Business and Finance
Instructor:	Greg Bauer
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Not very challenging, all of the lecture slides are posted online for each week and answers and posted for tutorial questions so going to class is pretty much optional. The only grades are 2 mid terms and a final.
Credit Transfer Issues: