Educator's Abroad Australia Student Teaching was worth every penny. Past Review
By Michael S (Math, Western Washington University) for
EducatorsAbroad: Traveling - Student Teaching (10-18 Weeks)
Australia is similar to America in numerous ways, so it wasn't that much of a culture shock. But, there was enough difference in their lives that was noticeable. They were appreciable as well. I've always wanted to teach abroad and this just made me hungry for more. This program sufficed in it's goal for me. I learned how to teach effectively, in another country and culture, and lived my life to the fullest embracing the beauty of their geography, food and people. Well done Educator's Abroad!
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. |
Workload was a little intense. While student teaching I had to worry about not only the program's assignments but also the University's assignments as well. Just stay on it, set due dates and make time and you'll be fine. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My expectations were met and everything was made very easy. There was a lot of paperwork and hoops to jump through, but it was all worth it and just took time. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I applied to live with students, but ended up with a host family. I wouldn't have changed it though. My host family was amazing and I was able to enjoy the tourist attractions as well as the night life sufficiently. It was in a safe neighborhood that was close to where I was teaching. I got recommended by my abroad coordinator to live with the family, got in contact with them through email, and worked out the details. Very easy process. |
| * Food: |
Food was okay. Not better than America I wouldn't say. But if you go to Australia you need to try pavlovas, meat pies and kangaroo roast. All my dietary restrictions were met fine though. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Went surfing at Bondi Beach, Wilson's Prom, and Torquay Beach. All I would recommend checking out. Ayers Rock and the Olgas were great to climb around in the Northern Territory. Blue Mountains were beautiful near Sydney. Cairns and checking out the Great Barrier Reef was great. Skydiving and scuba diving there changed my life! Surf as much as you can and hike as much as you can. Things I wish I would have done are the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians National Park. Melbourne has a great night life and is an absolutely beautiful city with all types of bars. I though Sydney was overrated, but it's still worth it to go up for a weekend. Most people either like Sydney or Melbourne, rarely both. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
No health or safety issues occurred. And never did I worry about anything happening or felt uncomfortable in a situation. Health insurance was provided as well. |
| 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) |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It's worth it. If you ever have a chance to visit different places in the world, do it immediately. Even if it seems scary, you need to push yourself to do it. You rarely regret the things that you do, but you always regret what could have been or what you missed out on. Just carefully consider your expenses and always save and bring more than you think. Endure the long paperwork process and ask as many questions as you can. The people in the program are amazingly helpful. Every kind of student would benefit from this program. Everyone should see the world so they can not only have an unforgettable adventure and challenge themselves in new ways, but it's important to understand how people around the world live differently and to appreciate the uniqueness of multiple cultures. |
