Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Finding My Inner Space Past Review

By (Business Administration and Management, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/13/2015 to 04/13/2015 with

Boston University: Sydney - Sydney Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A lot of time to explore a new space on my own Professional skills at my internship Groomed my strengths Knowledge of Australia through a very hands on academic lens Seeing one of the most beautiful landscapes Visiting/Attending Hillsong Church Friendships with fellow abroad students and Australians (at work) A different kind of independence than I had before

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.

Long class hours and assignments similar to those at Brandeis, in terms of rigor. You cover a semesters worth of work in half the time, due to the semester being divided into two parts.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very friendly and someone is always available for you to talk to if needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very comfortable apartment style living.

* Food:

It's mostly up to you, there are many grocery stores around the BU housing site if you want to cook for yourself , and also hundreds of restaurants around. You are definitely spoiled for choice.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Most Australians are very welcoming. Especially the fact that you have an internship allows you to gain access to people from their in close proximity for an extended period of time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We were also insured under a comprehensive heath insurance plan. (we an instructed how to sign up before the semester begins)

* Safety:

Wondered around a lot, even got lost a few times, I was always fine (always have a phone handy and try to keep the buddy system as much as you possibly can)

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 can be very expensive, but as everywhere you go- you learn what works or you.

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? Don't go grocery shopping when you are hungry Make shopping lists Go to any activity with the exact amount of money you want to spend Travel with friends (so you can split cab fares an such) Search for student discounts that you are at times eligible for Check out China town for groceries (very close to the BU academic center)

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?
  • My Internship
  • Friendships
  • Me time
* What could be improved?
  • Class length( 4 hours is a bit much)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Australia also has a lot of issues in race relations and indigenous rights. ( I learned about it there, which was a good)

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!