Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Adventures in OZ Past Review

By (Biology and HSSP, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/16/2016 to 06/26/2016 with

Arcadia: Sydney - University of Sydney

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was a great respite from the usual Brandeis struggle. I've learned it's possible to travel and be a student at the same time.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The University of Sydney was an amazing place to study. The Australian courses were structured so that most of the weight of your marks were placed towards the end or on large projects. The courses were by no means easy, but it is much more manageable than Brandeis life.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Urbanest Cleveland Street was amazing and by far the nicest place I'll live for a considerable amount of time.

* 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

There isn't a lot I would want to change. It was a great experience and I hope to return one day.

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)

Sydney (Australia in general) is not cheap.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Katrina, Maz, Patrick
  • the opportunities afforded me
* What could be improved?
  • somehow become more integrated with Australians rather than Americans
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? They don't have stick deodorant. It's all aerosol and roll on. Quite important for when it's 100+ degrees out and you're melting.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.