A fantastic opportunity to make lasting memories and relationships. Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., Wheelock College) - abroad from 02/14/2012 to 07/06/2012 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Newcastle - Semester in Newcastle

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to relax and loosen up/not be so up-tight about things. What happens, happens; no worries. Overall, I think my experience was well worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Australearn excursion group was very good.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

on campus

* Food:

Self-catered

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made a lot of local friends off campus. I feel like the connections and relationships that I built will last.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues that needed to be addressed, personally. However, the college did send out notices of issues that pertained to on-campus living (lice alerts).

* 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)

The cost of daily living was more than I expected.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Work as much as you can before you leave to make as much money as you can. It's always good to have more than you think you'll need for emergencies/last minute plan changes. Traveling is pretty expensive.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The chance to meet people from the area
  • Living with students from all over the world
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities to go places
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The college drinking culture is a lot more intense in Australia than at home.