Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Study Abroad Down Under = #1 Confidence Booster Past Review

By (Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 08/05/2019 to 11/14/2019 with

University of South Australia: Adelaide - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained independence and confidence mostly because I learned that I was capable of so much more. I flew half-way around the world without anyone and set-up my apartment all on my own. It taught my I'm capable of much more than I originally believed.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really loved the teaching style of Australia. It is much more independent and hands-on. However, I wish it was more rigorous and challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was amazing! The university took great care of their study abroad students and made sure that we all met each other.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in a 6-person apartment at Atira. We all had our own rooms but shared a kitchen and living room. I loved it because there were many activities planned for students to meet everyone and I made a lot of friends in my building. It is very expensive though.

* Food:

Australian food is very similar to USA food. The difference is that the USA has heavy Mexican influence whereas Australia has much Asian influence with their food. I do not enjoy much Asian food which made it a bit difficult but having my own kitchen helped immensely.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Adelaide is a big country town where everyone knows everyone. I met many local friends from classes and church and absolutely loved the city. I could walk everywhere and every one was so very friendly.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did have encounter many health issues. I was a bit disappointed because I found a therapist in Australia and thought my insurance through BUPA would cover it but it did not.

* Safety:

I think Adelaide was a very safe area. If you go out at night, just like any city you need to be cautious of your surroundings.

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

I enjoyed it because it made me become very independent. I had to find my own apartment and live in a new city where I knew no one. However, the school did help arrange meetings where I could be with the other exchange students and it was amazing meeting people from all over the world. I loved Adelaide because it was small enough that I could get involved with so much around the city. I joined many local communities.

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)

My housing was the largest expense. It's very expensive living near the university. Food was very comparable to American food. However, if you want to study in Australia, Adelaide is most definitely the cheapest city to do so. I visited Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney which were much more expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The hard liquor is very expensive in Australia. Adelaide is in the wine country however with very inexpensive wine so get used it! In Adelaide, purchase all your fresh food from the Central Market. It has very cheap fruits and veggies from local farmers. I became very in-shape while there because I walked everywhere and only ate fresh produce. The central market is cheapest on Saturday afternoon because the market isn't open on Sunday or Monday and they want to be rid of their produce. Stay in hostels while traveling and flights are actually very cheap within the country.

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The people within the university and city
  • The traveling opportunities
  • Near mountains and beaches
* What could be improved?
  • Sometimes the city was too small and I wish there were more things to do
  • A bit more challenging courses
  • Cheaper housing options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Honestly, I am glad that I went into the program not knowing much. I would simply say just to not try to stress too much. Know that what's meant to happen will happen.

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.