Australian Internship has developed my profesional skills beyond any home Internship Past Review

By (Agribuisiness, Kansas State University) for

ISA Study Abroad: Career-Building Internships in Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much from my experience that this box will not allow me to write that much, and I would not even know where to begin. It developed my personal and profesional skills.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: International Internship
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic work that I had to acomplish while doing my International Internship was very appropriate and relative to what I was doing abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They are always helpful and are there to answer and questions you have at any time.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family were the most wonderful and helpful people. I do not think I could have gotten a better match. They were always there for me and willing to help me with anything at anytime. They also took time to show me around and take me to places around the area and join in on their family and friend adventures.

* Food:

I ate with my host family, whom were very good cooks. Saying of course that someone is not a picky eater. They made a diverse range of food and Aussie foods too. The food was great.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living with a host family I was always surrounded by culture, especilly because I worked around a diverse range of individuals as well. I was able to get a great cultural experience by getting to interact and spend time around Aussies all the time. Some good experiences I had were just going to the pub with a co-worker after work and meeting some locals while playing pool, talking and having fun. I was able to learn the lingo.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I lived in a rural area which was very safe and people were nice

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? It is hard say because each week was different. Sometimes I would go and do a lot of things somewhere or go out with co-workers to a pub, which is a fast way to burn money. However, I could have lived with 80 dollars a week. That is also because I lived with a host family.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It is helpful to have a plan and know how much you can spend each week and do not go beyond that amount. Know that over time exchange rates eat your money fast too, so it helps to know what that rate is so you know the true amount you have.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Ask questions and Seek council. Find out about the ways to get around and places to stay to make your stay easier and cheaper. Most of all, get out of your comfort zone, that is where you learn the most and have the most fun.