Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Sunshine in Sydney Past Review

By (Computer Science, Trinity University) - abroad from 07/15/2014 to 11/23/2014 with

Arcadia: Sydney - University of Sydney

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I believe that results may vary for this first question, but I definitely believe it was worthwhile! I gained quite a bit of insight into the culture of Australia (for example, why they don't like being asked if they're British). I gained perspective of how fortunate we are in the US: even though Australia is a strongly developed country, the cost of living is much higher.

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $110
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook at home! Make friends and cook together! Australia has rather cheap meat, and pasta/grain is inexpensive. Making your diet from these two with vegetables/fruits from the local markets (one below Coles comes to mind) make the food problem easy.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Location
  • People
  • Weather
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation upon arriving to the city
  • Housing placement with local students should be preferred
  • Picking courses: scheduling courses is far different in terms of time conflicts compared to smaller schools.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring walking attire! Although Sydney has superb public transport, much of the transport is done by walking; it's the best way to see and learn the city. Also, I wish I had known that Sydney is probably the most "American" city in Australia. While Melbourne is slightly better, the "true" Australia culture is found farther inland, outside of cities.

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.