Australia: A Memorable Semester Down Under Past Review
By Shayna D (CMD, Ithaca College) for
IES Abroad: Sydney Direct Enrollment - University Of Sydney
I became much more independant since I lived in an apartment and did not travel with any friends from Ithaca. My internship also solidified my desire to work in event management, and with a non-profit.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were structured with a lecture and a tutorial, both with different professors and only once a week. I didn't feel that I was taught very well, and there was a disconnect between the lecture content & tutorial content. I did not thoroughly enjoy that part, though the campus itself is gorgeous and the union is great. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My expectations were met on all counts, Thais Oso was a great host. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The neighborhood we lived in was perfect; it was close to bars, restaurants, cafes, shops, corner stores, etc. We were only a short bus ride away from the city & the beach. I did feel the neighborhood was safe, and we were a short walk to campus. We did need to buy cookware, utensils, plates, bedding. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
IES organized a fantastic break program for us in Cairns, Australia. So much was provided for us for a small fee in comparison and we all had a great time. I thoroughly enjoyed everything Sydney had to offer and look forward to returning for a longer period of time some day. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I had no experience with healthcare, but others that I know that did were not impressed. Our program did assist us with the steps to follow if we were sick. In regards to safety, I found no issues with it in Sydney. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Maybe $100+ |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | AUSTRALIA IS EXPENSIVE. Australia is very expensive & I was not prepared. If I had known just how much I would be spending, I would have started saving earlier. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do it, absolutely. For most people, it is a once in a lifetime chance and it is absolutely worth the long flight, the excess of money, everything. |
