An Overall Amazing Semester Past Review

By (Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/21/2017 to 07/01/2017 with

Arcadia: Sydney - University of Sydney

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got to live in an awesome city, travel to new places (like the Great Barrier Reef!), and take classes that would only be found in Australia. This semester was an incredible opportunity.

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.

Classes were challenging. There would be long periods where there were no assignments, mixed with weeks where I had something for every class. All lectures were recorded and tutors were available to help with any issues that arose.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a single room in an Urbanest apartment (6 single rooms). Everything was clean and new.

* Food:

Cooked for myself

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Students at the University commute from home, so it was a bit of a challenge to meet people. I mostly made Australian friends through clubs, societies, and religious communities.

* 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)

Food is expensive in Sydney!

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

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Location
  • Program excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Class selection was confusing
  • More integration with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The university is HUGE! Be prepared to walk A LOT to get to class.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'