Everything I Imagined and More Past Review

By (Business and Economics, Ursinus College) - abroad from 01/26/2014 to 04/24/2014 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I am an independent person and I can thrive in any environment I am put in. I also got valuable work experience with my internship.

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was amazing. Each apartment had its own balcony, full kitchen with utensils, and also had 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms for 4 people. We also had full access to a gym, pool and sauna and were a short walk away from 2 supermarkets and restaurants.

* Food:

Since eating out was really expensive, I cooked almost all of my meals. My one roommate and I would split grocery costs for the week so we saved a lot of money that way. When I did eat out, I don't think I ever experienced a bad meal. There is everything you could ask for, although it may be made a little different (ex. Pizza is all thin crust).

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since we took classes with all American students, it was tough to meet native Australians our age. At my internship however, I was able to integrate just fine and went out with my coworkers a few times. Also, I met people at the gym and sauna that I would talk to and see frequently. I wish I could have made more lasting friendships with Aussies, but I still felt integrated.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

I am not good at budgeting in general, so it was extremely hard to limit myself. I enjoy going out on the weekends so I knew I had to cut costs in other places, which is why I made my own meals.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200-250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make your own food. Look for deals when flying somewhere

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?
  • Being in Australia
  • Housing
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • More interaction with ACU students
  • Meal Stipend
  • Shorter class time (lose focus too quickly)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would not have done some of the activities I did before I left for Sydney so I would have had more money to do activities while in Sydney. Save as much as you can

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.