Small Town Saratoga to Vibrant Sydney! Past Review

By (Skidmore College) - abroad from 02/20/2017 to 07/01/2017 with

IFSA: Sydney - University of Sydney

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad was definitely worthwhile. I love to travel and experience new cultures, so this opened my eyes to a new place and the people it holds. I experienced so many new things and stepped out of my comfort zone, such as hiking, scuba diving and swimming under waterfalls. I learned how to be even more independent and live in a country by myself, studying and working, like a local, all the while having a great time and meeting cool people. It was nice being in a big city, whilst still having the laid back atmosphere that Australia holds. UYSD was also a beautiful campus, plus the great hall looked Hogwarts

Review Photos

IFSA-Butler: Sydney - University of Sydney Photo IFSA-Butler: Sydney - University of Sydney Photo IFSA-Butler: Sydney - University of Sydney Photo IFSA-Butler: Sydney - University of Sydney Photo

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?

* 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

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The activities
  • The support
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • More diverse group
  • More fun excursions related to the host country
  • Integration with other international and local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More about the programs/events to meet other international (non-American) students