Adjusting to Beach Life Past Review

By (Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 02/16/0017 to 06/17/0017 with

USAC Australia: Melbourne, Geelong, Waurrnambool - Undergraduate and Graduate Courses

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about multiple different cultures other than just the Australian culture and how to thrive in a city as well as adjust to beach life as I am from more of a country background.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

Realized it was way over priced once I arrived and saw apartments for rent that were cheaper.

* Food:

There is a large Asian and European population so there is always variety, plus native foods.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

They took care of setting up my healthcare before I arrived and then the school had my healthcare card available once I arrived. I, luckily, did not have to use my card while there.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Approx. $60/wk
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a job for at least two years before you go; you will want to travel across the country/continent so have several hundred if not thousands dedicated just to spending is ideal.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • A beach and a large city were less than 45 minutes away by public transit.
  • International/local students