Living the Life Down Under: An UNFORGETTABLE Internship Abroad! Past Review

By (Augustana College) - abroad from 01/11/2018 to 03/03/2018 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Through my time abroad, I gained intercultural competency, learned how to navigate/travel/work in diverse cultures and countries, developed friendships with coworkers, pushed myself to be adventurous and try new things in a foreign setting, as well as gained extensive knowledge and understanding in marketing and the global entertainment industry. My internship confirmed my aspiration to work in the entertainment industry in the future, and I'm so grateful for all the skills I improved and unique portfolio pieces I can display in future interviews. Working in a foreign country is incredibly unique, and I will never forget my experience!

Review Photos

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia Photo CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia Photo CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia Photo CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia Photo CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Sydney, Australia Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My study abroad experience was very different in that we only had one course offered while abroad, and it only met twice for 2 hours over the whole course of the trip. This program was solely focused on the internship aspect since we took 2 courses BEFORE the trip!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The CAPA staff in Sydney was literally INCREDIBLE! They were extremely welcoming and went out of their way to help our group with questions or any concerns. A lot of students in my group would go to the CAPA center to use the WiFi and hangout/chat with the CAPA staff whenever possible. They helped us understand the culture, where to go, and what to do in many situations. We did not have any supervisors on our trip from our university, so it was nice to have CAPA there to support us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were housed at Urbanest, which is a student accommodation that only houses students studying abroad, which was really cool to meet others going through similar experiences. Our living arrangements were WAY nicer than anything I had expected. We lived in apartments that seemed brand new, and the accommodations were very safe, and I never felt in danger. There was also a TV/lounge area, multiple computers to use, as well as a really nice workout area! I loved living there!

* Food:

We were mostly on our own for food since it was not included in the program, but the program offered around 5 meals the whole time abroad. Grocery shopping is pretty expensive in Australia, but it was nice that there was no tax.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

CAPA sent out a newsletter each week about local culture and events going on which was really cool. CAPA brought us on two trips which taught us about the culture, but besides that, I didn't feel very integrated into the culture because I think Australian culture is kind of hard to define.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have an experience with healthcare, but a few friends did and CAPA provided help figuring out where to go and covered the cost once back in the United States.

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe in Sydney. Since every other student on the trip had different internships, we were required to travel alone during the work day, and I never felt unsafe. I did not travel alone at night, but I did venture on my own during my days off. I really liked being able to do that without having to really worry about safety.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I wasn't sure where to study abroad, but Sydney is such an incredible place because it's not extremely different from the United States and it isn't that hard to adjust to the city. At the same time, the culture and people are so diverse that I really felt like I was getting the most out of my experience. My favorite part about studying abroad was my internship placement. I worked as an Entertainment and Sport Marketing Intern with the largest ticketing company, Ticketek. Through my internship, I learned so much about marketing and the entertainment industry, which is what I would like to pursue in the future. I also loved my coworkers and the work culture there, which pushed me to do things outside my comfort zone. I even attended events with coworkers outside of work and still have a good relationship with them to this day!

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)

Though this program was pretty expensive, I was able to budget really well and figured out what I could afford and when. Some students went WAY over their budget, but it just depends on how much money you are willing to spend, what you want to do/eat, and where you want to go.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? How much I spent varied each week, but I think I spent less than $150 a week (sometimes even less).
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely make a budget before studying abroad, figuring out how much you are willing to spend and potential activities or items you know you will spend money on. Once abroad, keep track of every single thing you spend money on! Eat at home while you can, but be sure to be adventurous!

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?
  • Internship placement
  • Transportation fees included
  • Excursions included in the program
* What could be improved?
  • On-site classes
  • Food
  • More cultural activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew just how expensive activities, trips, food would be in Australia. I knew they were pretty expensive, but I wish I had saved more money in advance. I also wish I had planned more trips around Australia and experienced more on my days off, including cultural activities because they aren't extremely easy to find.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.