Exploring Australia: Exotic and Familiar Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The assignments weren't too hard but there is a lot of pressure put on each one since you only have around 3 assignments for each class that determine your overall grade. Lots of reading and lots of research for each of my classes. Teaching methods are very much traditional lecture style with little interaction during class. Some discussion was held in the tutorial/discussion sections, but pretty much you determine what kind of experience you would take from each class. The major difference between my host university and American universities is the togetherness or school spirit. I did not feel like I was part of a student body or a college campus, it felt like we were all commuters. If I had not lived in the university housing I would not have felt like I was experiencing university life at all.

On-site administration of your program

Did not really have to deal with UTS Administration while I was in Australia, but it seems like they were not very fast on responding and helping.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Many people had told me to not live in the university housing in Australia because it is mostly full of Americans. The other option is to wait until you get to Australia, live in a hostel until you find roommates and an apartment. That did not seem like very appealing option to me, so I applied for university housing and got in. UTS Housing is completely awesome! I lived right by campus and was inserted into a pre-established community. Housing has events and get-togethers all the time so it was really easy to meet people. I did not have to buy anything for dorm because it was all supplied. All I need to buy was bedding and shower stuff.

Like America, Australia does not have many of their own national foods, so most of the food options are foreign with most of the affordable food being Asian. Australia, especially Sydney is very expensive so the best bet is to eat most of your meal at home.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade was great. Vivid Sydney was so cool, especially when the Opera House was lit up in many different ways and colors. Housing had a start of semester party on a boat at night. It was so lovely seeing the harbor at night, the Harbor Bridge and Opera House looks absolutely amazing. There are so many events and attractions to do in Sydney. I was never without something to do.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Sydney is a safe place. I never felt like I was in danger while I was there. The only areas where I have heard you should be careful but have never been are Redfern and Kings Cross. Those two areas you need to be cautious, but in the City Center, I had no problems walking at night because there is one main street through Sydney and is always full of people. I had no problems with health while I was in Australia. The sea air is so good for you!

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Dorm

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• International Students
• Local Students

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• Local Students