A chaotic adventure at the University of Newcastle Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Professors were not willing to adapt to different learning styles, the grading system seemed very inefficient and you could not tell how you were doing in a class because the papers were not returned in a timely manner. In some classes, the person grading the assignments wasn't even the professor! Also, professors seemed bothered when you would ask to meet with them about the class or had questions. Since most of them have researching jobs, teaching is not their first priority and it was VERY obvious!

On-site administration of your program

Required what I felt like was unnecessary stress in order to take a final early. Documentation was needed to be "approved" to take a final early, and the reasons that were specified that are appropriate for applying weren't accurate. A student I know had an internship that she had been accepted for and on the list of "prior commitments" that would give reason for a student to take a final early it said job related commitments. They denied her application to take a final early when she provided proof of having a plane ticket and an acceptance letter from the company that hired her! It was very misleading and she had to end up dropping the class. I also had to apply to take a final early, I was accepted though. I sent in my application 3 weeks before the final exam period and heard back from them a few days later. They said the "examinations team" would notify me of my new final exam date. A few days before the final exam period began, I still had not heard when my new date would be. The exams team had not scheduled it, and pointed fingers that my professor was supposed to do that. My professor pointed fingers back at the exams team and it seemed that no one knew what was going on! It was a very stressful process, and very unnecessary!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very close to grocery stores, the beach, nightlife, and train station. It was about a 10 minute train ride to campus. I feel like the conditions of the building were NOT appropriate for the price we paid to live there! Tons of cockroaches, elevator was always broken, and the fridge where our food was kept was absolutely DISGUSTING! People would leave molding food, opened containers, and steal from other peoples boxes. No security cameras were used, and in many instances would have been very helpful!

I basically could find any food from America that I wanted

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Select all that apply

• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students
• Local Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students