Australia: The perfect combination of culture and adventure Past Review
By Kerry Q (PSYCHOLOGY., Tulane University) for
University of Sydney: Sydney - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My abroad experience was definitely the most exciting and worthwhile 5 months of my life. The experiences I had academically and socially were one of a kind and because my experience was so amazing, I have considered moving to Australia after I graduate.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes in Sydney are incredibly large for the most part and clear expectations are not given. It is very important to keep yourself on track and since there are only 1-3 assignments for the whole semester, each is weighed heavily and must be taken seriously. Grading in Sydney is drastically different from that of the US and it is much more difficult to score highly. Nonetheless, Australian students regard grades that Tulane translates to C (2.0) as performing well. While this is far from ideal, it is comforting to know. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I would recommend traveling to Australia and other countries in the South Pacific to those who are adventurous and outgoing. Many of the trips I took and activities I participated in revolved around extreme sports, cross-country/city road trips, and were longer trips, rather than sporadic weekend get-aways. I went skydiving, bungy jumping, whitewater rafting, and snorkeling and would recommend this abroad experience to anyone who has a great interest in these activities. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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? | Approximately $80-$100 on groceries/hygiene products, $35 on transport |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The Australian visa is incredibly costly. (approximately $550) |
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?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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