Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Study Abroad is a Must Past Review

By (Hofstra University) - abroad from 02/05/2017 to 06/25/2017 with

AIFS: Perth, Fiji - Murdoch University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained the ability to take a step back and relax while studying abroad. In American society, people are overworked and under much stress. The change in pace in Australia was nice with not having a high involvement in school. I was able to relax and focus on having a good time while maintaining good marks.

Review Photos

AIFS: Perth, Fiji - Murdoch University Photo

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?

I lived with a super nice family in Fiji. I stayed in apartments within walking distance of campus. Although they were public apartments, it was almost the same thing as living in on-campous dorms because they had resident assistants and events for the community.

* Food:

I bought and cooked almost all of my meals

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Australia is very westernized and our cultures are not too different

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no experience. I know my friends went to the doctor and were told they would get money back if they filled out the forms, but never did.

* Safety:

I felt so safe. I never worried.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Studying abroad in Australia was the best decision I ever made and I am glad I went through AIFS. AIFS was very receptive when it came to pre-departure information and class registration. I loved having an AIFS representative right on campus, who was super knowledgeable and friendly. She scheduled a few activities during the semester for us, which was included in the program. My favorite was the Brazilian Barbeque.

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 spent about $1500 on food, wi-fi and other expenses

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I do not know the amount per week, as it changed.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just spend money on things you need, so later on, you have money to spend on things you want.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Approachable Staff
  • Included Trips
  • Money card
* What could be improved?
  • Someone being there at the university to greet us when we arrive.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I had to pay of wi-fi.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.