Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

it was amazing Past Review

By (Biology, Presbyterian College) - abroad from 02/12/2014 to 06/21/2014 with

University of Western Australia: Perth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained confidence in myself and gained some of the best friends i'll have. I also gained a new perspective on life and people. My study abroad experience was very worthwhile and I am so happy that I did it and I wish I could go back!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed at St. Catherine's College. The staff was not very organized and untrustworthy. They put me in a single room intended for only one person to live, however I had a roommate, which made the room feel even smaller with the extra bed and furniture. There were no desks and I didn't have a place to sit and study in my room besides my bed. It was nice having a dining hall and provided meals, but I would not live there again.

* Food:

I ate the food at St. Catherine's most of the time. Like all dining hall food it got very repetitive, so after a month or two I didn't like the food. It also wasn't very healthy.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very involved in Australian culture because I had the chance to make great friends that were from the area. This allowed me to live the way the Australians live and be apart of the everyday activities that they are involved in. This was one aspect that I really liked about St. Catherine's College because there was a great sense of community within the college and everyone knew everyone. I was able to learn about Australian culture as well as other cultures through the people I interacted with everyday.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was lucky and did not have to visit the doctor while I was abroad. I did not have to get any vaccines.

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe in Australia. I had no problem going anywhere by myself. The crime rate there is very low and the people are very friendly.

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 did spend a lot of money while I was abroad, but I felt that I didn't spend money on unnecessary things all the time. I budgeted as best I could and limited my spendings to certain things. However, Perth is a very expensive city.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? depending on the week and what I did, I spent 50 to 100 dollars each week.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • meeting new people/friendliness of people
  • travelling to new places
  • beautiful beaches/scenary
* What could be improved?
  • nothing that I know of
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about where I wanted to travel in Australia because I wish I had traveled more while I was there.

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.