I miss it everyday!! Past Review

By (Manufacturing Engineering, Ohio University) - abroad from 07/14/2016 to 11/24/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the culture and the country. Amazing people and incredible adventures. I have so many great memories and loved every second of it. Very 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.

Studying abroad always has its complications at the start. A new environment, culture and educational system to get used to is never easy. CIS Abroad and the University of Newcastle did an amazing job providing me with every resource I needed in order to succeed. The academic rigor was not too burdensome (I had more than enough time to explore and have fun). Overall it was a great experience where I learned a lot and got to experience a new culture!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration was welcoming and helpful. There are plenty of resources on campus to get you whatever information you need.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was incredible! I lived in West Tower with 5 other Aussies! A great way to meet people from there area and get right into college life. The apartments were brand new and very clean. I loved living there.

* Food:

Limited food options on campus, but the food they have is great! Go get yourself a meat pie at the Bakehouse! The only problems here are that they are not open late, and not open on weekends. Better learn to cook!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living with Australians was a huge help. CIS makes orientation welcoming and introduces you to other abroad students so you don't feel left out. Nightlife in Newcastle is incredible!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Great healthcare, easily accessible and provided me with the services I needed right away at minimal cost.

* Safety:

Never felt unsafe walking on campus or in the city. Even in the worst of places, Newcastle is a relatively safe place. The campus has security personnel and emergency points throughout.

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

While Newcastle might not be as nice of a city as Sydney or Gold Coast, it was still incredible and I wouldnt trade it for anything. The people are amazing and the beaches are beautiful.

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 expensive. Especially alcohol. Be ready to spend at least $100/week on food/drinks/entertainment

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 125
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? drink goon and forget about beer/liquor. its gross but its cheap. Shop at aldi for cheap food.

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
* 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 city
  • the people
  • how well i was prepared
* What could be improved?
  • more interaction with international students in orientation
  • more planned adventures and experiences
  • better planning for class signups
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? i wish i knew a bit more about what life would be like on campus. i wasnt exposed to much of it until i got there and that would have helped me prepare

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.