Australia: Never ever leave Past Review
By Joseph V (Econometrics and Quantitative Economics., Providence College) for
Arcadia: Sydney - Macquarie University
I have become much more independent and can cook for myself now! i made great friends and learned a lot about a culture which i truly love. I am considering trying to move back to Sydney sometime in the future and would love to raise a family there someday.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Grading in Australia is a lot different from that in America. Your GPA will be hurt by your trip abroad so try to find a program that will allow you to take classes pass/fail. Workload wasnt too bad. Around 2 papers per class along with a mid term and a final. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Did not really help that much. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a townhouse in a "village" of all other students who stayed at the university. There were around 1000 kids in the village all having townhouses. I was very happy with the living situation that i was provided. |
| * Food: |
I had to make most of my food so i ended up cooking simple meals; a lot of pasta and sandwiches. I ate healthier abroad because i was very conscious about what i was buying and eating for food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Going to the great barrier reef was the best thing i did on my trip. It was a 3 hour flight away from Sydney but i spent a week there in the rainforest and exploring what the reef had to offer through snorkeling and scuba diving. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Sydney is a great, clean and safe city as long as you are smart and are with people you trust. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cost of living is a lot more in Australia. Bring atleast $2,000 more dollars than you budget for if you are staying a semester |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Just go, be open minded and enjoy every single second you are there. |
