Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

So much to see, learn, and enjoy down under! Past Review

By (Civil Engineering., University of Texas - Arlington) - abroad from 02/20/2012 to 06/23/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Most definitely worth while, I got to experience so much. I went skydiving in New Zealand, scuba dived at the Great Barrier Reef, visited many beaches along Sydney, met many people (both international and Australian), passed four classes, and now have amazing memories of the best semester of college I will ever have. The world is not as big as I thought, I want to continue to travel and see what the rest of the world can offer.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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)

Australia is an expensive country.

* 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? $70-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook pastas, eat canned tuna for lunch. Also, but plastic containers to put leftovers in.

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • Ability to do my own thing outside of my class schedule.
  • Got to visit Sydney every other weekend, and other parts of Australia.
  • Deeply immersed in Aussie culture while staying at the dorms in UON.
* What could be improved?
  • Proper budget sheet to help maintain a good balance of spending.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? PACK LIGHT!