Life-changing experience! Past Review

By (Mathematics/Pre-Engineering, Providence College) - abroad from 01/16/2013 to 05/02/2013 with

Boston University: Sydney - Sydney Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely a worthwhile experience. Having never really traveled internationally or on my own before, I was able to grow as a person. I also was able to see how big and beautiful the world truly is and how there is so much to see and all different kinds of people and cultures that are worth getting to know.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Interesting, low-intensity courses and an internship tailored to your professional and career goals.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff at BU Sydney are all extremely helpful, friendly and approachable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a good size apartment with three other girls, we each had our own bedroom, a kitchen, a common room and 1.5 baths.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being at an American university it was harder to fully immerse myself in the culture. However, if you are outgoing and just go for it, most of the Australians are easy to talk to and get along with.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was lucky enough not to get sick or require medical attention while abroad. However, I had plans to travel to Africa soon after returning home and thus had to get a yellow fever vaccination. The program staff was very helpful to me, telling me where to go and who to call etc. They also offered a supplemental insurance plan for the time abroad.

* Safety:

Being in any large city there will be safety issues and concerns, however the program had dorm security through the overnight hours and watched over student safety to a satisfying extent.

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)

Sydney is expensive!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 6000
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget your money early on, so you do not find yourself broke half way through.

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
* 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?
  • Meeting new people
  • Experiencing a new culture
  • The internship!
* What could be improved?
  • The Australian culture class could have been more fun and informative
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Live everyday to the fullest because four months goes by a lot faster than it may seem.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.