Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Australia Made Me an Adventurer Past Review

By (Fairfield University) - abroad from 02/06/2014 to 06/23/2014 with

Fairfield University: Brisbane - Semester or Year in Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the Australian culture while I was abroad, but I also learned a lot about myself. My experience abroad was by far the best five months of my life. I became so much more independent, while simultaneously embracing the free spirited Australian culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The insurance provided to us was not helpful when I actually had a health issue. I had recurring strep throat throughout my semester abroad, in addition to mono. I had to pay a lot of money up front for my consultation at the recommended hospital (which didn't really help me) and then had to go through a long process in order to get some of the money back.

* Safety:

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)

Everything in Australia is EXTREMELY expensive, at least twice as much as it would be in the states.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Between $100-200.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If students want to do trips, I highly recommend the 1fish2fish spring break trip. It is pricey, but includes so much and helps students save money if they wish to go to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. For general purchases, go to the Reject Shop in Queen Street mall (super cheap!).

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The natural beauty of Australia
  • the location of living in South Bank
  • the friendliness of the Australian people
* What could be improved?
  • The proximity of ACU to South Bank
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how expensive everything would be!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.