AIFS: Sydney- Macquarie University Photo

Australia Changed me Forever!

A Study Abroad Program Review For

AIFS: Sydney- Macquarie University

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:

Andrea F. (Psychology, Saint Anselm College) on August 31, 2011

Overall Rating

Personal Information

* Start Date: 2010-07-14
* End Date: 2011-07-21
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Australia's system is different from the American system and I found it hard to adapt so quickly ... the classes were definitely harder and I needed to plan my time better in order to work everything through.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I liked the program overall! I had an amazing time. The events that went along with the trip were awesome. The ONE thing that I have to comment on ... why was there no transport from the village to the airport? On the way home ..

* Housing:

Housing was good... single was great especially with my own bathroom. I just thought the uni should definitely do something about the fact that many of the common rooms were dirty. I don't know if they cleaned them over the summer..

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

* Home Institution Advising:

How well did Saint Anselm College prepare and support you for your time abroad?

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

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? Save your money!!!!
* What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? Yes! It was definitely worthwhile. I changed in many many ways. I loved Australia and I am already planning on going back!