Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Australia: Has Me Dreaming Bigger Than Ever Past Review

By (Radio Television Film, The University of Texas at Austin) for

Arcadia: Sydney -Sydney Internship Program Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
As much as I learned about Australia I learned even more about my own country coming back home. I have another experience in which to compare things here and I feel as if I have been greatly expanded by the experience. After Australia I now plan on taking my entrepreneurial plans international and now have a strong goal in which to tailor my studies in my final year of University. The new found focus was well worth it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was a lot more camaraderie in and outside the classroom. It was great!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Arcadia did an awesome job with providing a window of experiencing another country. If a bit unorganized at times, that was part of the thrill and strength of flexibility in which this program was able to provide.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

There were some great places to eat but I highly recommend doing the majority of your eating with groceries to keep your costs down if you can. Probably one of the best meals I had over there was kangaroo steak, sweat mashed potatoes, green beans, and a piece of chocolate mudcake. But definitely check out the fish and chips.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

For my group went to an AFL "Aussie Rules" game, Rugby game, went to Melbourne, checked out musuems, cultural areas like the Opera House, did a weekend in the Blue Mountains and hiked and went repelling up there, went to a wikileaks debate. It was full of events, full of culture and you really got a lot of extra little things with your tuition costs that you didn't expect. It really added a lot to the experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt like both Sydney and Melbourne were very safe cities. Mostly if you just keep to the normal precautions that you would have in your own city you shouldn't have any problems.

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? You know going in that it's going to be expensive, the plane ticket, the cost of living, tuition. But as long as you prepare for that and give yourself a buffer to be able to do other things while you're there it won't be too bad. I found that for the price I paid, I really did have an incredible experience and I wouldn't trade it to have my money back.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The emergence into another culture.
  • The self-discovery.
* What could be improved?
  • Information about orientation a little earlier?
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The best type of student to benefit would be an adventurous type who isn't afraid of challenging their boundaries. Going abroad requires flexibility and patience when things don't go your way. But the chance to see what else is out there really teaches you a lot more about where you are and where you may be going in life. I recommend everyone go here if they have the opportunity.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Parallel Realities in the Workplace
Course Department: SYDI SOSM 313S
Instructor: Michael Elphick
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course really challenged traditional thinking within Australian society, and therefore helped me come home with a new perspective of my own country. I believed it was a great component of my experience abroad.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Work and Thought in Action: Research Project and Internship
Course Department: SYDI INPR 310S
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: This was an internship experience that was supplemented by a research paper. You're placed in an internship based on your area of interest.
Credit Transfer Issues: