I learned to be more confident and independent Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Providence College) for

Arcadia: Brisbane - University of Queensland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abraod experience was definitely worth while. I learned to be more confident and independant, especially in meeting new people and traveling and exploring new places.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses i took were enlightening and challenging. Many took cross-culture perspectives.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program coordinaters are highly enthusiastic and helpful. The program offers a range of different excursions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a student apartment that was on the campus of Queensland University of Techonology, but I attended the University of Queensland. The commute to school took about 45 minutes everyday, but I was able to meet student from not only my own University, but another as well. I lived with an international student, an american student and two australian students. The student living was spacious, but the household appliances were satisfactory. The apartment complex was called Kelvin Grove Urban Living in Kelvin Grove, Brisbane. <br /><br /> The housing itself was not the nicest of apartments, but the location was prime because it was only a 5 minute bus ride to the city and an even shorter ride to the train station.

* Food:

No meals were included in my program becasue i provided food for myself. There was a food store 5 minutes walking distance from my apartment complex and many resteraunts and cafes close by too.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were several outings and gatherings that my program encouraged students to attend to catch up on what they have been doing and to see if they were having any problems

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt safe in the city and through my program. I was confident that if anything happened to me they would be there right away to aid me.

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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The price of food is pretty high so try and buy store brands. Also, dining out is also pretty expensive, however you do not have to tip. Make sure you have enough money for soveniers! Also beware that coffee is different from home and can be very expensive

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think it is definitely a worthwhile choice and they will be happy with their decision.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Australian Popular Culture

Course Department: AUST2000
Instructor: Dr. Susan Ward
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course really gave me insight to Australian popular culture, including television, music, cinema, tourism and Australia's national identity.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Popular Music 1950s onward: From Elvis to Madonna

Course Department: MUSC1700
Instructor: Peter Freeman
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was really entertaining and focused on the different artists and genres of the past and current rock culture.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Develapmental Psychology

Course Department: PSYC2030
Instructor: Mark Nielson
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was really interesting and took a cross-cultural perspective to developmental psychology. In instructor made his lectures highly captivating and really insightful
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Youth and Devience in Australia

Course Department: CRIM2000
Instructor: Silke Meyer
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course gave me great insight into the types of crime and devience that Australian youth engage in and the juvenile justice system responses.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.