Learing and Living in Australia! Past Review
By Marina Paz D (Biology, General., The University of Texas at Austin) for
University of Tasmania: Hobart - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I was able to completely experience the life of a typical Australian. Although I didn't experience a language barrier, I still felt like I had to learn a completely different language while I was there. Names, slang, and the accent all took their toll on me and I can see how different countries think differently. I was able to see how Australians see the world and It makes me want to explore the world even more. There were so many similarities between our countries yet so many more differences that I want to experience it all in other places. I think what I learned there could really benefit me in so many areas of my life.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | University of Melbourne, University of Sydney |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was about average, however it was a very independent learning system. Most, if not all, of what I was taught I had to learn myself and the writing style was slightly different from ours, which made writing papers more difficult for me. There was a larger emphasis on writing then testing. The entire grade only included 2 papers and one final exam, which I felt was a bit more stressful since my writing isn't as strong as others. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The host country's program administration was organized and well accommodating when I first arrived. They picked me up from the airport, took me straight to my accommodations and gave me very helpful information that I might need when I first got here, like where the grocery store and international office were located. During orientation, the office was very accommodating for all of the international students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had to apply for housing after I got accepted to the University. I ended up living in a dorm which I lived in by myself. It was rather small, but I felt that it was a perfectly good size for someone living there alone, who was also an international student. I had to buy sheets before I got to my room as well as all my cookware. The kitchen was located in a different building than the one I lived in, but there was a mini-fridge, sink, and microwave on every floor which was rather convenient. We had a key card which we used to open our doors as well as the doors to get in to the building we were living in, so I felt really safe there. Most students actually left their doors open as a way to make the dorms more social. I felt really satisfied with the entire living situation. |
| * Food: |
The food was rather good and affordable for the students living there. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The dorms had social and cultural events quite often and I felt like accommodations really wanted to make the students living there feel comfortable. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The campus is small so I never really felt like there was any danger. The dorms I stayed in was a bit far from where the campus was but I never felt like it was dangerous to walk at night, although I never walked alone at night. |
| 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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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?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live 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? | Studying abroad in Australia was a wonderful experience. Biology majors in particular would have a great learning experience there. Aside from having a wonderful sciences division at the University, the wildlife and vegetation is so different and so fascinating all over Tasmania that I could really take what I was learning and see it right outside. The courses are more independent and assignments are mostly written papers which really makes students understand the concepts of the course. The courses are rather demanding but well worth the experiences that one is able to have when studying abroad. |
