Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Australia was unbelievable, no doubt the best 5 months of my life. Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/17/2012 to 06/30/2012 with

IFSA: Sydney - University of Sydney

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. I now feel as though with a proper budget and sufficient income I can independently do anything I want.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Sydney Sydney Conservatorium of Music
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?

* 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)

Sydney is expensive but if you are smart about your money, buy 10 pack bus passes and cook dinner it can be easy. I didn't shop at all.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60 on food, $20 on commuting to class/various travel
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook your own food!

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?
  • Fiona! My program advisor was so helpful and always available
  • Events & Drop By's - always fun and positive!
* What could be improved?
  • Providing dates for events as soon as they have them (they usually did a great job with this)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't sign up for an access card - waste of $75. Don't bring an AmEx - get bank of America.