Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Through the good and the bad, my time in Australia was rad!! Past Review

By (Elementary Education, Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 02/22/2014 to 07/07/2014 with

IES Abroad: Sydney Direct Enrollment - Macquarie University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself! I figured out what I wanted to do and how I was going to get there. I became more independent and more care-free of what others think about me.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was hard and not what I expected, but I made it through.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was awesome!! Beata was great.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was happy when my friend, Sarah Brown, moved into the same dorms.

* Food:

The food wasn't very good. The desserts were!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I lived in a dorm and was on campus! I got a lot of exposure to the culture. I also had a really good friend from Australia and we hung out all the time when I was there and still keep in touch! :)

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was easy and available on campus!

* Safety:

never felt unsafe!!

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 was expensive, but I don't think it was outrageous.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Not sure.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I'd make a budget and stick to it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • Other
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The friends I met
  • The beautiful country
  • ALL THE AMAZING TRIPS!!!!!!!!!
* What could be improved?
  • Getting into the education system
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the education system was so different.

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.