Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Personal Growth Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 07/12/2018 to 11/22/2018 with

WorldStrides Study Abroad in Sydney, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A lot of patience and personal growth. I had to adjust to the Australian culture, which is very different from American culture. The experience was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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 very expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were not a lot of local Australian people.

* 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)

Sydney was way more expensive than I expected. There were a lot of additional fees that I was not aware of that were not included in my original budget. For instance, paying for laundry and paying every two weeks for a gym membership.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would buy groceries every two weeks. Also, maybe have dinner with a roommate or roommates and split grocery costs with each other.

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

  • 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?
  • Friendly coordinators
  • The orientation trip
  • dinner options
* What could be improved?
  • organization
  • more excursions
  • help finding jobs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing

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!