Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A learning experience Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/01/2016 to 07/27/2016 with

Boston University: Sydney - Sydney Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile because I had never been abroad before. I gained perspective regarding how people live in other countries.

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.

The academics were not particularly difficult.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was available to answer questions. However, the program administrators were often disorganized and instructions were not always easily understood.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was in a prime location with easy access to public transportation.

* Food:

There is no meal plan provided, you are responsible for groceries and providing your own food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There was little integration into the local culture. All the classes were taken with other Americans. The internship aspect of the program was the only place that one interacted with local Australians.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was easy to access, but I did end up having to pay out of pocket. However, I was able to file a claim to be reimbursed through the insurance provided by the program.

* Safety:

The city felt safe overall. To access my apartment I had to swipe in through the main doors, swipe on the elevator, and then swipe into my apartment. There was also a security guard after 8:30pm that I had to present my student i.d to before entering the premises.

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

I would choose a program that allows for greater interaction with the local culture and people.

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 a very expensive city, and if you don't budget very well you will find yourself spending a lot.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to eat out too often. Also, be aware of your spending on things that you really don't need.

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?
  • The location of my apartment was very central.
* What could be improved?
  • More exposure to actual Australians.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That leaving your comfort zone is the only way to really experience everything the abroad experience has to offer.