Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Australia is stunning and expensive. Past Review

By (Marine Sciences, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 02/18/2018 to 06/16/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot, and had many amazing experiences, but it was not life-changing. I am the same person I was before I left.

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.

We did a lot of work in the field which was a great learning experience, but I was not challenged whatsoever.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I'm not sure if putting no stars is allowed, so I put half a star just in case. USAC was an absolutely terrible program. They were no help at all. My USAC advior changed three times within the course of my study abroad, which was confusing and frustrating. There was extremely poor communication on USACs end, which led to me getting in paperwork late because no USAC member would sign a form, nor even respond to my many calls or emails. I would have been better off making all arrangements myself. I could never recommend anyone partake in a program through USAC. USAC is extremely negligent and made my experience stressful, and unpleasant.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements were very nice. Only negative was the extreme expense.

* Food:

We did not receive a meal plan. We got one free meal once a month, which was typically pizza.

* 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? No

I would love to go back to Australia but would rather never travel anywhere ever again then to go through USAC.

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)

Australia is a very expensive country.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No, Australia is expensive and anyone going there is going to have to spend a lot of money.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Traveling around Aussie
* What could be improved?
  • planned excursions through the program would be beneficial
  • better communication with USAC
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? USAC is terrible and Australia is wildly expensive.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.