Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

New to Newcastle Past Review

By (Chemical Engineering., University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) for

University of Newcastle: Newcastle - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grew to be very independent and found that I am much more resilient and adaptable then I thought. I know that after this experience, I will be able to handle any situation reasonably. I have also gained the international experience that could present opportunities in the future where I will be able to use the conversational skills and cultural knowing of groups of people.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I did not meet many classmates through the university. The other international and local students I met were from talking to people downtown. It would have been nice to have some sort of orientation or more meetings to get to know the other students as well as be checked on by the office.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

None.

* 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? 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about $20 a week on groceries, sometimes less. $30 a week on train tickets. $180 a week for rent. In the beginning I was spending much more than towards the end. Upon arrival, I ate most of my meals out and was just starting to accumulate groceries.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take more than what you think. You'll end up spending much more than you anticipate no matter what and if you have any left over, then you'll be able to use that travel and site see with!

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? One of the best things about Newcastle is that it's the perfect size. It's not too big or too small. There are quiet suburbs, but there's a bustling downtown and you're only 2 1/2 hours from Sydney if you're looking for something bigger. It's an ideal, laid back city that has a lot of history, culture, and sites to be seen and absorbed.