Australia - An Adventure Waiting to be Experienced Past Review
By Victor H (Mass Communication, Towson University) for
University of the Sunshine Coast: Queensland - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
YES YES YES. The friendships and relationships that I made are worth their weight in gold. This experience has transformed me completely. I don't treat each day as a hassle to get through... I treat every blessed second as an opportunity to try something different, go somewhere extravagant, do something extraordinary. Not to mention the fact that this is a fantastic resume builder! Getting international perspective on your academic area of study is something that will only help you in the job market!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| 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. |
Although the grading and educational system was quite different in Australia at USC from the American grading and educational system, I had no issues getting my grades transferred back to Towson, nor did I have any issues with USC concerning grading. The word load was reasonable, and the teaching methods seemed to prove effective. I feel that I gained a lot in Australia in my classes and that the schooling was of substance. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I had no issues with any support services while abroad, nor did I have troubles before going in the planning phase of my trip. USC worked fantastically with Towson to provide a smooth transition into the educational system in Australia. Something that really helped was the peer advising session held before our departure hosted by study abroad alumni. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my living arrangements. I couldn't have asked for better roommates - everyone got along perfectly. Also, the staff and management at UniCentral couldn't be friendlier. I miss them incredibly. They really made you feel welcome when we arrived there for the first time last February - but I guess that's just the Aussie hospitality! |
| * Food: |
The food in Oz is not that different than it is in the states... dinning is a little different though. Many restaurants are al fresco, and menu choices are a tad more expensive (that goes for all food as well; grocery shopping included). But there are also many cheap options when shopping for food, like buying home brands and such. Aussies will be glad to tell you what's best to buy, where to go, and where not to go as well! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I visited Fraser Island, Sydney, The Great Barrier Reef and even Fiji during my stay in Oz. Folks of the South Pacific are of the friendliest sort you'll find - laid back, relaxed and completely chill. Traveling is expensive, but it is worth every dime and every minute you spend at you destination, trust me! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Not once did I feel threatened or unsafe while I was in Australia. As always, it is best to travel in groups, or even pairs (especially in a foreign atmosphere), but it didn't matter much on the Sunny Coast. Australia's mindset as a community and as a country is much to at ease than the hustle and bustle of the US. If you visit Oz, there really are 'no worries.' |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Prices are much higher in Oz than they are here... save your money for traveling, as plane tickets are incredibly expensive in the southern Pacific area. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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 did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | DO IT! This country has completely changed my outlook on life. I know this may sound crazy and hard to believe, but there is not a day that has gone by since my return to the states that I don't think of or remember something from my time abroad. From my experience and knowing only what I do about studying abroad, Australia seems to be one of the best places to study abroad and one of the easiest cultures to live in. But take care on this point: coming back home will not be as easy ;) |
