Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Paradise Past Review

By (Zoology/Animal Biology., University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 02/17/2012 to 06/22/2012 with

USAC Australia: Gold Coast and Brisbane - Undergraduate and Graduate Courses

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained the ability to not be so stressed and have a slightly more laid-back lifestyle, as is of Australia.

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:

There were not many options, and they often had the same things all the time.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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 had enough money for every day costs, however, I was not able to travel at all with the money I had brought.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you want to travel, plan where you want to go and how much it will cost before you leave so you know you will have enough money when you're there.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* 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?
  • Dorm life with the locals
  • Environment
  • Nature
* What could be improved?
  • Food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The costs of things

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!