The Ebb and Flow of Australia Past Review
By Benji H (Plan 2, The University of Texas at Austin) for
University of Sydney: Sydney - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned more during my time in Australia than I had in my first 3 years of College. Being forced to live in a new place, no matter where it is, is the essence of independence. I met the most interesting people from around the globe and I traveled wherever I wished, free from any responsibilities. I trekked the outback, surfed the beaches, sailed the ocean, dove in the Great Barrier Reef, and hiked the epic mountains and glaciers of New Zealand. The overall experience is incomparable to every day life, and I hope that everyone can get a glimpse of this magical world that is tucked far away amidst the sprawling blue sea.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teaching methods were very similar to those in the US, however the grading methods were quite different. While the workload was much less and there were less assignments, it was more difficult to get a good grade on those few assignments. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The study abroad office was easily accessible and very helpful when needed. During the first few weeks they set up a lot of events which were great, but after that we were all left on our own. I would have liked them to be more proactive with the students as the year went on. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
After arriving in Sydney I met 3 Canadians and we all decided to look for a house together. We ended up living in Surry Hills which is about a 15 minute bus ride or bike ride away. The house came furnished and it was quaint but very old and dysfunctional. The location was amazing though because the neighborhood was such a trendy area and very central. |
| * Food: |
Very similar to the food offered in America. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved getting into Australian sports and music. The festivals were incredible. Beyond these, the beach life was tantalizing and dominated the city. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Health and safety were basically the same as here. The only extra thing to worry about in Australia were the dangerous insects and animals. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | There's no way around it; day to day living is expensive there. Traveling is what was Really costly, but there is no way I would eliminate the trips I took because these were the best part of the trip. |
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? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Even though Sydney is primarily an English speaking city, it is one of the most cosmopolitan places in the world. If you go there with an International mindset and a very open mind, it will no doubt be enriching. |
