Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Semester in Sydney Past Review

By (Seattle University) - abroad from 07/21/2015 to 11/28/2014 with

IES Abroad: Sydney Direct Enrollment - University Of New South Wales

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad in Sydney was one of the best decisions I have made. It's impossible to describe my five month experience in a review, but upon my return to the states, I have recommended studying abroad to everyone. I arrived back in the US a different person than when I left, and the changes I went through while abroad shaped me so fully in a very short period of time. Outside of Sydney, I was able to go to Cairns, Brisbane, Melbourne, New Zealand, Thailand, and Bali. Australia is an amazing destination because there is so much to see within the country, and it is close to lots of outside destinations. IES was very accommodating and helpful, especially concerning direct enrollment at UNSW- they made the process very easy. The trips and excursions IES offers throughout the semester were great, and really allowed us to explore areas outside of the city and near our schools. The mid semester trip to Cairns was a great experience, and IES provided us with a great trip. Australia is a beautiful country with lots of sites to see and amazing people to meet - I will definitely be returning soon.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

I moved in to a dirty apartment, with alcohol bottles and dirty dishes everywhere. There was also a Christmas tree and random mini fridge in the living room, as well as a traffic cone and street sign on the balcony. We had to clean everything out ourselves.

* 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

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

  • Apartment
* 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?
  • Easy enrollment
  • Trips offered
* What could be improved?
  • Housing arrangements
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Harder to meet local students living in apartment

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.