Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Would go back in a heartbeat! Past Review

By (Western Carolina University) - abroad from 02/06/2017 to 06/07/2017 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Townsville - Semester in Tropical North Queensland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I wish I would have remembered that I was in a tropical paradise, and to not stress out too much about schooling. It still was very worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

JCU was hard, but I recieved the help I needed

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The resources I received in Aus were amazing!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved campus life!

* Food:

Obviously, the food was different than what I was used to, but I still enjoyed my time.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

JCU Townsville is more of an Australian school, so it didn't feel like I was a tourist.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I broke my ankle abroad but I had better health care there than I have ever had in the US. It was very easy to do, and I'm very thankful for the assistance provided.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Townsville.

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

I was able to do everything I wanted to financially due to all my required fees being prepaid.

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)

My program paid for room and board so I didn't have to pay for anything other than optional trips.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Campus Life
  • Excursions
  • Good People
* What could be improved?
  • Food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To just enjoy my time abroad and not stress so much about school.

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 Networker
An 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.