Western Australia: The Time of My Life Past Review

By (Journalism., Drake University) for

WorldStrides Study Abroad in Perth, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was totally worthwhile! I learned so much about a culture that I thought would be so similar! Turns out, they're vastly different!!

Review Photos

WorldStrides Study Abroad in Perth, Australia Photo

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.

The workload is super light, but the teaching method is much different. I think that because the workload is fairly light, it was easier to adapt to the different teaching style.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Similar to American administration systems.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I enjoyed living in Port Lodge with its community feel and single rooms.

* Food:

We cook for ourselves except for a community meal twice a week. The community meal is super expensive and required by the host university. I wish it wasn't because I didn't know about the fee until I got here and didn't budget for it. Kangaroo is delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met tons of friends through my job with Ultimo Catering and through my classes!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I ended up going to the hospital once while I was there and they really took care of me!

* Safety:

I never really felt unsafe at all!

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 was on a major budget right from the start because a few of my cards didn't work in Australia at all. As long as you didn't go out to eat a lot or make unnecessary trips, its totally feasible.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* 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? $40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No one informed me of the $300 fee for community meals!! I didn't budget for that!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* 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?
  • Cultural Experiences
  • Wide Range of People
  • Fun Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Budgeting Information
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how expensive everything was and how much I should budget.