Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Ghetto Family. - my friends called ourselves this. we became family. Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 07/09/2012 to 12/12/2012 with

Edith Cowan University: Perth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Independence and separation from family. How to survive on my own and travel and I just overall grew. It was very worth while.

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.

Had a hard time connecting with the professors I had over sea's. As well as understanding what was expected of me. I did however get a lot out of a couple of my classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My Study Abroad Coordinator in Australia was fantastic. She was really nice, and made herself available and gave advice for homesickness.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Where I was staying. The ECU Village, was a really great place to meet other international students and create a really great close group of friends. Also the Village hosted events and had lots of free food!

* Food:

Lots of free food where I lived, as well as was cooking for myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Was really easy to immerse myself into the local culture, as well as experience others due to the vast amount of international students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

there was a health center on campus available as well as multiple hospitals in 30-40 minute walking distance. Didn't need health care but it was available.

* Safety:

I heard of things that had happened but nothing happened to me or anyone I know. campus security was available if uncomfortable to walk alone, as well as it was a very safe city.

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)

The country I went to was very expensive. Managable, but expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150-$250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to bugget food, alcohol, and other spending. Yes, clothes are always nice and fun to buy, but save the money for the end for souvineers, trips, and fun. Just be careful, spending can get away from you. Also have an idea of the conversion rates because that makes a difference.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • the people i met
  • the traveling i did on the side
  • my classmates
* What could be improved?
  • nothing. The downsides add to the positives, thats how we make situations great.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much of an amazing time i was going to have, then maybe i wouldn't have been homesick for the first 3 weeks.

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.