Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Home Away from Home Past Review

By (Biomedical Sciences, General., University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 04/06/2012 with

University of Wollongong: Wollongong - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and what I am capable of. It was the best decision I ever made. I also gained some of the best friends that I talk to everyday, and plan on visiting a lot.

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?

* Food:

Food was not provided for this program. However, the food in Australia is amazing!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health insurance was provided with this program

* Safety:

I traveled alone a lot in this country, and not once did I feel unsafe. I wouldn't travel by myself anywhere else.

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No

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

  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • It was with other U.S. students
  • It allowed me to go out on my own away from a university setting
  • It balanced out work time and free time well
* What could be improved?
  • providing more information for what exactly the intership site will entail
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Couch surfing exists to save money on a place to stay. It worked out great for me, but didn't hear about it until my trip was almost over.