Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I had the experience of a lifetime. Past Review

By (Counseling psychology, Wheelock College) - abroad from 07/11/2012 to 11/23/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was more than worthwhile. I am proud of myself for being away that long and growing more independent. I gained so many friends and learned from every single person I met.

Review Photos

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

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.

I really enjoyed one of my courses. The teacher loved teaching and was there to answer any questions we had. One other class I did well in, but the teacher never gave concise directions for what she wanted. The third class was horrible. The teacher was just a bad speaker and always contradicting herself. I don't like lecture classes and now know that I will avoid them at all costs.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

On-site administration was great. Our international advisor helped us move onto campus and was there to just chat throughout the semester. He was away at the end of semester, which was tough, but we got to see him for a last goodbye.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was great. I loved living in apartment style buildings and I loved being surrounded by so many other buildings. You meet all these people and become a tight nit community.

* Food:

The dining hall food was not good. I enjoyed cooking my own meals instead a lot of the time. It was eatable, but it made me actually miss the Wheelock caf.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I lived with many Australians and you meet so many others. You have different events on and off campus. You are immersed in the culture from the day you get there to the day you leave.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Since the health care for citizens in Australia is free, it isn't very efficient. The wait can be very long, but it has to do with everyone being able to get health care. There are pros and cons to it.

* Safety:

There were never points where I was alone. I always felt safe in the community even if it was just one friend and I.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

3- Australia is very expensive. Things add up, so be prepared to spend up to $100 per week. I would also be prepared to spend more than $1000 on traveling while you are there.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I limited food to $50 a week. Other expenses another $15-50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The food is more expensive if you eat out and alcohol is more expensive. Just budget everything. And also remember that the stuff you buy there has to fit in your suitcases, so spend wisely.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* 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
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?
  • CIS- they had an international advisor
  • I loved the University of Newcastle itself and the people there.
* What could be improved?
  • Email efficiency
  • Communication between the program and students
  • Have a check list of what should be done prior to leaving
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had more money to travel. I would have worked there if I had started figuring that out earlier.

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 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.