Studying in Perth forever changed my life and gave me lifelong friendships Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall the classes I took in Perth Australia were fairly similar to ones I have taken here at the UO. Some are lectures and others are discussions for the lectures. Most of my grade was based on attendance and papers I wrote, with some having projects. They didn't really have midterms or quizzes, but they do have a final exam that covers everything and is worth a big chunk of your grade. I found the classes to be fairly easy, and was able to get good grades easily. My only complaint is that in Australia they don't grade based on GPA, in fact they don't have GPA's at all. When your professors grade you, they give you what they call marks and distinctions. The problem with this is a distinction is like a B here and a high distinction is an A here, but no professors give out high distinctions. Here at the UO getting an A isn't impossible and is fairly common, where as a high distinction in Perth is very rare. Also, with how the grades transfer over to the UO, it is nearly impossible to get an A because of how it changes. I wouldn't let this deter anyone cause I still had an amazing time and got B's.

On-site administration of your program

I felt everything was great!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a flat (small house) with 8 people. We had 2 bathrooms and 2 shower rooms and a large living room and kitchen. I lived in Vickery on the Curtin University Campus and loved it! I lived with 2 other Americans from New Jersey and Georgia, 3 international students from Mauritius and Switzerland, and 2 Australians. I got along well with everyone, and we all pitched in to get cooking stuff, pots-pans-plates, etc. Out housing unit was right next to campus and the bus stop, so I always felt safe and had easy means of transportation. We were a 30 min bus ride from the beach and downtown for the nightlife, and would often go in groups with all of our flat mates and neighbors. Overall I had an amazing time and will never forget the people that I met and the experiences we shared.

We lived in a flat that had a kitchen, so we all cooked our own food. The only time I would eat out is when we went into downtown, and the food was alright but nothing real special.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My program didn't organize anything when I got there. I had a lot of other American friends who had programs that took them on several fun weekend trips, helped them set everything up, and created a good environment and support system with other students from their school. I was given a name and number of my program adviser when I got there and contacted her, she was very helpful in setting up my classes and any questions I had, but we never did any fun trips. I was able to make lots of friends and do my own trips and fun things, but it still would have been nice to have that type of support and scheduled trips.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt very safe both on campus and in the city, Perth is an amazing place!

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Dorm

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• Americans
• International Students
• Local Students