The best experience I've had in my life Past Review
By Helen D (Psychology and English, Tulane University) for
University of Sydney: Sydney - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Most definitely. It's the best experience I've had in my life because of the freedom and responsibilities that came with living by myself in a strange country. I lived with strangers, cooked my own food, and navigated a confusing new social environment while making friends and exploring the beauty of a truly spectacular country.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Winter 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Although the system was different, I enjoyed the new setup and the atmosphere of the university. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program had only a few introductory meetings that let us know how to sign up for classes if we were having trouble. We did the rest on our own. However, the trips directly after the orientation were very helpful with getting to know people and acclimating to the new country. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
There was no air conditioning or heat in the apartments, which was a problem since it actually gets cold and hot in Australia. |
| * Food: |
I fixed my own food, so it was pretty average. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved meeting new people from both Australia and numerous foreign countries while exploring Sydney and the places I visited. I toured some of the Outback and the southern coast as well as the South Island of New Zealand. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I got sick once and recovered quickly. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Probably around 50 or 60 dollars; I didn't keep a budget, so I'm not quite sure. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be ready to spend a good amount of money if you want to travel. Air travel is not cheap and activities tend to run on the expensive side. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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
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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?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be prepared to be thrown outside your comfort zone, then enjoy it. |
