Rewarding and exciting. Past Review

By (Johns Hopkins University) - abroad from 07/17/2017 to 11/27/2017 with

IFSA: Sydney - University of Sydney

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The program was very worthwhile and allows students to gain more independence while pursuing relevant coursework.

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.

Great selection of courses and excellent academic support.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very easy to get support both in Australia and in the US from IFSA-Butler.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living arrangements were with other IFSA students an nth student housing was clean and comfortable. It costs $2,000 if you set the fire alarm though!

* Food:

Students are responsible for cooking and preparing their own meals.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Housing was with other IFSA students. Living in the residential colleges at USyd would be helpful for exchange students wishing to live with full-time USyd students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare is covered and very accessible.

* Safety:

Students rarely felt unsafe during the program.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Sydney is an amazing city to explore and study in. IFSA-Butler provides incredible support to students.

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 one of the most expensive cities in the world - be prepared to spend money on food and activities.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Students would spend $200+ weekly.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The working wages in Sydney are high ($25-30 an hour), so a part time job is helpful for students who finance their own education.

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host city
  • Internship program
  • Courses
* What could be improved?
  • Urbanest should turn on the AC
  • $4 laundry
  • $2000 fire alarm fee
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The cost of living in Sydney.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.