Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best decision I have ever made! Past Review

By (University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 12/26/2014 to 01/24/2015 with

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse: Australia & New Zealand - Pacific Challenge

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile! I learned that I am okay on my own and even if I don't know anyone, I should go for the experience. I made a lot of new friends from La Crosse and did a lot of activities that I would not normally be able to do if I did not choose to go on this trip.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Most of the places were fine. Some of them were a little sketchy: men sneaking into the girls bathroom; in weird neighborhoods that may have not been very safe

* Food:

There was not always enough for everyone for dinner

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really liked that we got to stay at the Marae

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Most of the places we stayed but there were a few places that were kind of sketchy; boys sneaking into the girls bathroom

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)

It was definitely because of the culture and the activities that we did. Everything there was more expensive, but they did a good job of warning us about that before we left for the trip

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set a limit for yourself to spend per week. It will help make sure you do not spend way too much

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Activities
  • Meeting new people
  • Learning about the culture
* What could be improved?
  • Amount of food for dinners
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I do not think there was really anything they did not warn us about. Maybe stress a little bit more how expensive everything in Australia and New Zealand.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.