Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Semester of my Life Past Review

By (Biology, General., Presbyterian College) - abroad from 07/15/2013 to 11/17/2013 with

University of the Sunshine Coast: Queensland - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
how to go with the flow and integrate into the culture. definitely worthwhile

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

academics weren't that intense. professors are nothing like US professors. offer little help.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived at unicentral-not that nice but i wasn't there that often due to traveling

* Food:

AWESOME but expensive

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Loved every second of the culture and learning about it

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

never had any medical issues

* Safety:

i felt safer in australia than i do in the US

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

i spent $20,000 in 4.5 months. but i traveled to many places

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 1,428
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? it is very expensive SAVE

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

english speaking

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? english speaking
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? no issues

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • people
  • traveling
  • weather
* What could be improved?
  • apartment
  • classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? how expensive it would be

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.