Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Australian Adventure! Past Review

By (Fordham University) - abroad from 01/16/2012 to 05/03/2012 with

Boston University: Sydney - Sydney Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was invaluable. I learned how to be independent, social, a hard worker, and push myself to go on adventures that I normally would not have.

Review Photos

Boston University: Sydney - Sydney Internship Program Photo Boston University: Sydney - Sydney Internship Program Photo Boston University: Sydney - Sydney Internship Program Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was extremely helpful from academic placement, to internship placement to personal problems.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Ideal location and living conditions. Very clean (provided free cleaning service). It was also in the MIDDLE of the city. Perfect for cultural immersion.

* Food:

No food provided + no cafeteria. Kitchen was provided in apartments.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very. The program encouraged us to go out and learn more about the culture. We also had internships with Australian companies.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Australians are more "laid back" when it comes to health care. I would recommend getting a separate plan ahead of time. The BU plan required tha you pay up front of doctor visits and get reimbursed.

* Safety:

Tight security/ no overnight guests in BU apartments

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)

Australia is VERY EXPENSIVE. I bought minimal groceries in order to participate in more activities.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $120+
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Designate 100/week for groceries and don't stray from that. Eat out as little as possible (it's a money killer!)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The location of the actual campus (in the heart of Sydney)
  • The internship component
  • BU itself- friendly staff, professors, and people
* What could be improved?
  • The "class picking" method involved waiting on long lines
  • The times of classes (like 1pm-5pm kills a lot of the day)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing- I was well prepared on the components of the program. I would have probably saved more money for Australia in general though.