Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Just take me back already! Past Review

By (Engineering Physics., Providence College) - abroad from 02/15/2013 to 07/03/2013 with

Arcadia: Wollongong - University of Wollongong

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This trip was 100% worthwhile. I wish everyone could have the study abroad experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

Overly expensive for the amenities recieved, but a wonderful experience overall. Great people, great times.

* Food:

Little variety for the price. Nothing particularly well cooked... Wish I had access to at least a microwave in my room.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I went to the doctor once. I had to pay the copay in cash upfront, but my health insurance sent me a check to cover the costs eventually.

* Safety:

Just don't do anything stupid and you'll be fine.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Depends how many optional adventures you want to have. And how much alcohol you're going to drink.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up for a few years beforehand. It'll allow you to travel beyond your new university and really explore a new part of the world.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Katrina & Kendal from Arcadia
  • Wollongong itself, such a uni centered town with tons of people my age around
  • THE WEATHER
* What could be improved?
  • I wish we had stayed in Melbourne for more than 24 hours with Arcadia when we first got here, since we had to pay for a flight from Melbourne to Sydney anyways
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? KEEP A JOURNAL!! You won't regret it! And guard your valuables with your life, they're more important to you than you realize.

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.