Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Unreal Reality Past Review

By (Northwestern University) - abroad from 06/11/2015 to 07/25/2015 with

IES Abroad: Sydney - Study Australia Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Extremely worthwhile. Australia, and Sydney especially, was absolutely amazing. It was gorgeous, everyone was so nice, and it really made me appreciate the fact that we should be embracing cooperation and treating everyone fairly.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

One of the girls on the trip had an illness that reoccured while we were there and the staff handled it extremely well. They took her to the hospital, stayed with her, and reimbursed her for the medication.

* 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? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just try not to buy everything or go shopping... It's hard though, especially in the city...

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Field trips
  • Level of autonomy
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • uhhh housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Sometimes you won't be friends with everyone there with you, and that's totally okay. Just spend your time doing what makes your trip worthwhile to you.

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.