Tell me more:
Program Information
Learning does not begin or end in the classroom. To help you get a true taste of local culture, a wealth of cultural activities and excursions are included in your program fee.
Famous for its palm-fringed white sandy beaches and clear azure seas, Fiji is paradise come true. Cultural roots and traditions are... More
| Provider: | AIFS |
| Hosted at: | Macquarie University |
| Location(s): | Sydney, Australia |
| Year Founded: | 0 |
| Website | Take me there! |
Review By:
Kristen M. (Biology , Wartburg College) on January 16, 2011
Overall Rating
Personal Information
| * Start Date: | 2010-07-14 |
| * End Date: | 2010-12-03 |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading system is much different from the United States, and difficult at that. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Alicia Fang for AIFS was awesome! She was willing to assist on any questions I had and was always organizing activities for our AIFS group. |
| * Housing: |
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| * Food: |
My host family cooked amazing food for me! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This was the best experience of my life. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
My program really didn't prepare me for either of these issues. I figured them both out for myself. |
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* Home Institution Advising:
How well did Wartburg College prepare and support you for your time abroad? |
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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? | $100.00 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be prepared for more than you think. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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
| * If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? | Yes |
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student who is confident and already knows what he or she is doing and wants from their experience. |
| * What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? | Definitely. I gained more self-reliance and independence and skills that I may have new acquired without having to live on my own in a new country. It has made me want to travel more and experience cultures of all variety. |