Australia: an experience Past Review
By Alyson L (Marine Sciences., University of Maine at Orono) for
WorldStrides Study Abroad in Townsville, Australia
YES. I loved everything about my experience. It was so positive and refreshing to be in a total new environment. I recommend it to anyone who finds themselves adventurous.
Review Your Program
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 * Overall educational experience
 Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.  | 
 It's a lot different. I was surprised I did as well as I did. It's very written based and independent. Teachers don't spoon feed you anything.  | 
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 * Host Country Program Administration
 On-site administration of your program  | 
 Really laid back. I could have done without the seminars. A walking based tour on site would have been so much more beneficial. Maybe a panal at the end of the seminar would have been better so we could get a feel for the country and then ask questions, instead of getting really biased experiences from other people.  | 
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 * Housing:
 How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?  | 
 
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| * Food: | 
 The food was disgusting. End of story.  | 
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 * Social & Cultural Integration:
 How integrated did you feel with the local culture?  | 
 oh Lots! I loved going to the Lone Pine Animal Reserve and the Rainforest outside of Brisbane. That was awesome!  | 
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 * Health Care:
 How well were health issues addressed during the program?  | 
 
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| * Safety: | 
 I never felt unsafe while I was abroad. Only after I watched Wolf creek!  | 
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? | 
Yes
 
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Finances
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 * 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)  | 
 
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Everything was a lot more expensive than I intended it to be. Traveling by far was extremely pricey. | 
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Food is A LOT more expensive. | 
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None | 
Other Program Information
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 * Where did you live?
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 * Who did you live with?
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 * Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? | 
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| * What could be improved? | 
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be honest with yourself about what you expect and what you want to get out of the program. Be as open minded as you can. It's going to be a wild ride. |