An amazing experience minus the educational part Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 07/29/2013 to 11/07/2014 with

University of Sydney: Sydney - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that many overseas schools are run very differently than US schools and it is easier to meet local when you live in a local area, not on or near campus

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I found my own apartment off campus

* Food:

I lived off campus but most of the local food was similar to what I have at home

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living off campus forced me to integrate into the culture

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to the doctor once and there was only one place in my suburb that took walk ins, but they didn't require an insurance plan

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Everything in Australia is twice as expensive as in the US

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 400
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No, Australia is just expensive

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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?
  • Living off campus
  • The location
  • The program length
* What could be improved?
  • Warning students of differences in the school system
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How Sydney Uni was run and how the classes were taught

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'