Western Sydney: A Challenge Worth Pursuing Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really enjoyed the less stressful environment of UWS due to less class time, assignments, and exams. I also preferred the grading system, once I was able to understand it and convert it to the U.S. grading system. I liked the lecture and tutorial method, and being able to listen to some of my lectures online was helpful. I did not prefer the professors, as I am better able to learn and perform with more personalized attention in a smaller class setting. I also would have liked receiving my grades before the very end of the semester, so I would earlier where I stood academically.

On-site administration of your program

The managers of the Residential College office were usually quite helpful, and my ISEP Coordinator Wendy Spinks did a phenomenal job at answering my questions promptly and clearly, especially at the end of my program when I wanted information about how to extend my exchange.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was very satisfactory. I shared my lounge and kitchen with two other students (one Chinese male, one American female)and shared a bathroom with the other female student. We each had separate rooms, which were small but included a bed, desk, desk chair, wardrobe with hanging space, shelves, and drawers, full length mirror by the door, heater, ceiling fan, and a window. Being above the common room, sometimes noise was a problem, and also I could usually hear if people in the townhouses behind me were outside talking. No major complaints though, the apartment was brand new and a cleaning staff came fortnightly to clean the common areas. The couches in the lounges, however, are too small and a bit uncomfortable. They look sleek and modern, but disappoint when you try to nap on them. There is also a tv in the room (flat screen, with the freetv channels) and a small utility closet that contains a mop and bucket, broom, and ironing board. I did not like having to pay $4 to wash and dry clothes in the prepaid laundry room. You had to buy tokens with a card linked to an Australian bank account, cash was not accepted and could be very inconvenient on holidays and weekends.

Food was self-catered, I cooked for myself. I found the stove, grill, oven,toaster, and microwave all in good working condition. I also found the electric cordless tea kettle to be pretty useful.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Social Club led by the RA's of the Residential College provided excellent entertainment and activities throughout the whole semester, especially during "O Week" (Orientation week). My favorite was definitely our End of the Year Res Ball, which took place on a cruise boat in the Sydney Harbour, with a formal dinner, dance music, and awards ceremony. Travel to and from the Ball was also provided with a Coach, and was very convenient.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was never compensated through OSHC for a doctor's visit I had in October, which I filed a claim for and have sent an email to the company asking when and if I will receive payment. This has nothing to do with the school itself though, just the insurance provider. Finding a doctor was really really difficult, I had to use buses to get to town because I could not find a lift, and had to go to 4 different places before I found a doctor that was not booked for the day. I was told I had allergies, but I felt like it was much worse, so I was quite unsatisfied. I would advise future participants to bring all the OTC and prescription meds they think they might need, and only go to the doctor if really necessary. I definitely prefer the health system in my home country.

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

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• Apartment

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• Americans
• International Students