Australia allowed me to enjoy living in an open, fun and crazy environment while making new friends Past Review
By Daniel M (PSYCHOLOGY., Tufts University) for
Arcadia: Brisbane - University of Queensland
YES. academics were decent, and the travel/relationships made it more than worthwhile. Truly an amazing experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
For a State University, I was very surpirsed at the small class size and personal feel of a couple of my classes. The professors really do care, even if some of them are extremely boring. I had no problem contacting any of my professors regarding problems, and I managed to either be partying, working, or travelling almost all of the time, with time to relax whenever i wanted. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Mazz and Cat were our two primary Arcadia program contacts, and they were both fantastic! Mazz was always available, and helped out whenever we needed it (provided towels, took us out for coffee, organized museum trips, a trip to Noosa beach, etc.). The staff were young, energetic, and fun. However, the staff stateside provided no information prior to departure, and I can imagine that bothering students who already feel nervous about studying abroad. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
LIVE ON CAMPUS! The American kids I knew living off campus spent most of their time with other Americans. Living in the International House (60% Australian, 40% International) allowed me to make some great friends from all over the world, as well as local kids. It's also really convenient living on campus with regard to classes and any clubs you might join. |
| * Food: |
Food was pretty bad, and the dining hall was only open from 12:30-1:30 and 5:30-6:30 for actual meals. However, there was always bread/peanut butter/milk/fruit, so you could easily make snacks in between. I just wish dinner were later, and that the food was a little better. I'm not a picky eater at all, but I would have enjoyed better food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I did everything I could at UQ, from wakeboarding every Sunday and weekend wakeboarding trips, to beach volleyball. The nightlife is very club/bar centered, which was different from my home university, but still very fun. Going out to clubs gets expensive, so be careful about that. Make sure to visit stradbroke island! That was one of my favorite places, and you can go sandboarding, kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, etc. Take advantage of the beaches nearby UQ too! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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? | Be prepared to spend a lot of money on food if you eat out. Subway is $10 rather than $5, if that gives any indication... |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save money for travelling! You'll regret it if you don't. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Avoid getting stuck with all American friends! Sure they're great, but the whole point of studying abroad is to meet other nationalities too. |
