Once in a life-time, life-changing and eye opening experience Past Review
By Sara Schiller (Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 02/21/2017 to 07/04/2017 with
Central Queensland University: Rockhampton - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
To enjoy your time there as its once in a life time. It is worth all the hassle of living in a different country apart from your family for 5 months. Also, its really important to tell EVERYONE you love that you love them, a lot can happen in a semester.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I wasn't as applied as I should of been, but it just felt like a five month vacation and it was hard to keep school a main priority. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Met a lot of friends I still keep up with on the on-campus residence. There was also a lot of activities and events hosted by the university that were very fun. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living arrangements worked out great! |
| * Food: |
Food was cafeteria food, it wasn't the best, but the staff was welcoming and friendly. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was an interesting experience. I got to meet a lot of people from a lot of different cultures. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
My first day of school I got strep, there was no on-campus staff members who took patients, so I had to take the bus to a clinic, and wasn't even seen this the next day. |
| * Safety: |
Stay with your friends or someone you trust when youre out the whole time!!!!! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would choose a new country, but I liked direct enrollment. while we had the options of participating in school-led events, there weren't pushed on us and we were free to do what we wanted with our time. |
Finances
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* 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) |
It was hard to budget. Transportation was hard manage. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50-$100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save as much as you can and do not buy everything at once. I went second hand shopping a lot and some of my favorite clothes are from there. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | that I did not need to back as much and how long 5 months is away from family. |
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 NetworkerAn 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. |
