My Aussie Adventure Past Review

By (environmental studies and geosciences, Wellesley College) for

IFSA: Sydney - University of Sydney

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
yes, it helped me be more independent and adventurous

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really enjoyed our field trip opportunities.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

the cooking situation was really not enough for the amount of people that had to rely on such a small cooking area

* Food:

kitchen was not the best or big enough for the amount of people who had to use it

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really fell in love with Australia. I am a big surfer and climber and had a lot of opportunity to pursue these passions, which I normally am unable to do at my home university

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $140
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? save a lot...I was living very minimally on this budget. Sydney is a very expensive city!!!

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? be adventurous and try new things and make friends with locals! I had a great time being in the outdoors hiking, climbing, surfing, and diving. There are so many great resources to take part in these activities at this university so if you enjoy these activities you will love Sydney