Journey Down Under Past Review

By (Hope College) - abroad from 02/19/2016 to 07/02/2016 with

IES Abroad: Sydney Direct Enrollment - Macquarie University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
One of the greatest lessons I learned from my time abroad was the importance of going after what I want and experiencing all that the world offers. I've always been a dreamer in my head, but it can sometimes be difficult to make those dreams a reality. What this trip taught me is that it is always worth the extra work and uncomfortableness that can accompany new things. Life is worth living and the world is out here for us to see it so just go out and do it. Different people, places, and cultures only enrich us and cause us to have a greater outlook on the world and our lives. What better way to learn than on the road!

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.

* 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?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

IES Abroad has amazing directors that are extremely friendly and down to earth, and did a great job welcoming and transitioning students to the local culture.

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)

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
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Group Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • More options for semester break trip
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I did more research on things I wanted to do and places I wanted to go. Sometimes it was hard to plan trips and coordinate with others last minute.