IES Sydney Past Review

By (Advertising., Southern Methodist University) - abroad from 07/01/2014 to 12/01/2014 with

IES Abroad: Sydney Direct Enrollment - University Of Sydney

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad with IES was so amazing it’s hard to describe with just one review. IES provided me with the opportunity to study abroad in Sydney, Australia during the Spring 2014 semester. Little did I know before going, this trip would eventually change my life. IES made every transition from living to school situations so easy and accommodating that I was able to focus more on and experience the beautiful city of Sydney itself. I had originally signed up to live in the on-campus apartments; however, when I arrived I realized it would be better for me to live off campus. IES allowed to me easily move out and even made sure the new place I was living was safe and comfortable. This move made it possible for me to further immerse myself in Sydney’s culture and enhanced my experience abroad. Yet my biggest appreciation for IES was the way they helped with school. When I had arrived to my new university (UNSW) I was unable to get a class that was very important to my schedule in order to graduate on time but when I alerted IES about my situation they immediately took initiative and were able to open a seat for me. Overall my time in Sydney opened my mind to a new perspective of the world. I was able to experience a new part of the world and always felt that I had the IES group as a family away from home. Sydney was an amazing city. The food was awesome and the people were hilarious! I went during the months of July- December. At the beginning July was very cold but by November it warmed up quickly and I got to hang on the beach almost every day. School was very different from then in the States. Rather than many homework/busy work assignments, I found my classes at UNSW to require a couple essays then the final exam. I found this to be easier and gave me more time to adventure around Sydney and all of Australia.

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

Lived off campus on Bondi Beach.

* 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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $700
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Regulate spending and eat at home when trying to save.

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

  • Other
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?
  • Being in Sydeny
* What could be improved?
  • Allowing students to live off campus
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive living in Australia is!

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.