Study Abroad Sydney Australia: Best Experience of My Life! Past Review

By (Accounting/Business Management, Anderson University) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself, and it has made me want to see more of the world and what all foreign countries have to offer!

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.

Australian academics are a lot more laid back than American academics. It was very hands on and interactive, which I very much enjoyed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Program administration could have done more to get us involved in country-led events. They were not really available to help us that much. We were lucky one of our Professors from America came with us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our housing arrangements were excellent. No complaints here!

* Food:

N/A

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our trip to the Blue Mountains was probably my favorite experience. I wish the program had scheduled more events for us.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I did not suffer from any health issues while there, except for sun burn! The sun is a lot stronger down there than we are used to. It would have been nice to have known that! I felt very safe in Sydney. I would not recommend going down a dark alley alone at night, but I was never afraid of getting mugged.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe $30, give or take a little. Australia is way more expensive than what we are used to, I would recommend packing as much of your daily hygene items as you can! This will also give you room to bring stuff back.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I definitely spent more than I should have, but I don't regret it. I would recommend if you bring a lot of money to use it on a trip.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Internship
  • Professors
  • Housing
* What could be improved?
  • Wish our classes could have been with people other than our school group
  • Internet access!!!
  • Better preparation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Make each day there a great day, don't let homesickness or culture shock get you down. Any and every student should go!