Learning to be Independent in strange surroundings Past Review

By (Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography., Western Washington University) - abroad from 09/12/2012 to 11/23/2012 with

ISA Study Abroad: Career-Building Internships in Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My internship helped me understand the pros and cons working for a non-profit organization in a different environment. It was indeed worthwhile because I learned valuable skills and assets that can be applied for future employment. I also helped narrow my career interests.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The resident director was not very helpful.

* 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?

It was not me personally, but the other intern in the same program as me had to go to the doctor several times in which was a hassle each time. The health insurance we were issued was only good for the emergency room so she had to pay out of pocket and be reimbursed when she returned to the states.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat cheap, and minimize all nonessential spending.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Its purpose
  • Activities
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • The resident director
  • More research on the internship placements
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Where you live does matter.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'