Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Exploring Australia Past Review

By (Architecture., Tulane University) - abroad from 02/29/2012 to 06/08/2012 with

University of Sydney: Sydney - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
While my time at the University itself was nothing too profound, my chance to work in Australia because of the internship I got throught the University was wonderful.

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.

Difficulty and time commitment was nothing compared to the US.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Fantastic on-site support.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

On campus housing is a rare thing in Australia, but living on campus was convenient, though dealing with the housing office was a massive pain.

* Food:

It's what you make of it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very much what you make of it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I ended up in hospital during my time there. The University has on-site medical centres and they ensured I got to the hospital when needed. Healthcare is free with the mandated health coverage (which is very inexpensive compared to US policies).

* Safety:

Sydney is a very safe city in comparison to New Orleans.

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)

Sydney is very expensive. Housing alone is more than $200 a week.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300

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? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Ability to get an internship through the University. From the internship I worked my way up to a job offer and will likely move back to Australia upon graduating..
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing in particular about the experience.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Australia is very expensive.