Study Abroad in Australia: A change of perspective thats changed my life Past Review

By (Dancw, SUNY Purchase) for

Edith Cowan University: Perth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was priceless. I learned to become more independent, and more socially outgoing. This experience has made me see how people approach their studies in a different way. I feel that I am more determined and hard working because of this experience. It was the breath of free air that I needed after having a stream of the same teachers for a long time at my other university. I gained skills that I lacked. This program was absolutely perfect for me. I got to try new techniques and modern classes, I got to improve by ballet technique, and I got lots of feedback and corrections because of the small class sizes. I was able to go to part of the world that I will most likely never be able to go to again. I became friends with different kinds of people, and not be stuck in the same clicks that I was subjected to at home. I was able to have a fresh start.

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.

In the degree that I was pursuing(dance)the classes were very challenging,but I had less of a focus on general education and academic courses and I had more technique classes. I think that the grading system that they had at Edith Cowan University was a bit harsher. I feel that on a whole, that the grading is lower, but they expectations are also different. I think that getting very high grades there is a bit less of a standard and they know that getting those higher grades is less common I suppose.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It is my opinion that the university could have been more helpful in the process of getting a visa or explaining as to what is needed for a visa. That was the most difficult process and I think the school should have kept in better touch in terms of registering for classes. Most of the registration was easily sorted out once I arrived, but it would have been helpful to have more guidance during that process.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Well the housing I stayed in was a facility on campus that provided accommodations for individuals that weren't necessarily university students. The housing was conveniently located near my classes, but it was quite expensive to live there. I had to pay out of pocket for laundry, internet, and had to bring my own sheets and buy my own cookware. The facilities attempted to make meeting other students easier by having certain events at the recreational room. I really enjoyed the pool that was near my apartment and the housing area was well tended to in terms of being litter free. The rec room contained 2 tvs as well as a foosball table and table tenis which was quite nice as well.

* Food:

I bought all of my food at grocery stores in the city. The only grocery stories had to be accessed by bus, which made going shopping a bit inconvenient, especially since the bus did not run frequently on the weekends. Food was expensive but once I learned how items were priced I ended up saving a lot of money. The food that was available there was pretty much the same as they have in the U.S, so I didn't really experience any differences in diet.I never really bought anything at the local cafeteria, but I did occasionally go to a cafe located across from where I had most of my classes and they had good food and coffee.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The housing facility I was living on did plan certain events. They provided discounted tickets to go to an Australian Rules Football game, which was lots of fun. Most of the cultural attractions that I went to were because of my own accord. I planned my own trips to museums and dance concerts, which were really pleasant. I really enjoyed seeing the differences in the art form that I am studying. The scenery and environment was very different in Australia from NY, so I really enjoyed just soaking in the landscape differences and I would certainly recommend doing lots of traveling in free time if possible.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Perth is a city that is quite small, I never experienced much of a problem with safety. Obviously I wouldn't suggest traveling alone late at night; it can be quite deserted which is a bit frightening for someone used to busy streets and public transport. Australia requires you to have overseas health coverage, so that covers the basics. One of my friends became a bit sick at one point and she easily found a doctor she could go to to get a check up at. There was also a doctor on campus with the university that could be easily reached.

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)

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Classes
  • being in a country with a completely different landscape
* What could be improved?
  • communication in applying before attending
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think that this program has incredible classes and teachers that really nurture the students. I think that students who want to be pushed and are open to hear the opinions of others are best suited for this program. I think that any student would be able to take so much away from this program. What they would gain would be different, but either way, every student I feel can learn so much from being involved in this exchange. I cannot comment on the other classes at this university, but the ones in my program were absolutely phenomenal! It seemed like the other students at this university had a much lighter work load. So I suppose if the student is studying a different area they would have a completely different experience, with probably a schedule that is far less strenuous and would allow for more socializing and traveling.