Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Experience of my Life! Past Review

By (International Business., University of Nebraska- Lincoln) - abroad from 01/30/2013 to 05/09/2013 with

ISA Study Abroad in Sydney, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself. The program allowed me to see things about myself that I never knew existed before. I changed. I evolved. Personal growth has become a priority to me.

Review Photos

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad: Sydney - University of Sydney Photo

Personal Information

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 structure of the way that they organize their curriculum is different than the way it is in the United States. I would say it is the same intensity and requires the same amount of diligence.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Any and all problems that I had were taken care of on site by the woman who represented the program. She worked on-site at the school.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was extremely satisfied with my arrangements. I lived with two guys from Sweden. By the time I left, they had become two of my best friends. Everyone around me left an imprint on who I am as a person today.

* Food:

The meal plan that the school provided was expensive and I would not recommend it to anyone. If you have the extra cash to eat out, you can find much better meals in town for between $5-$6. If cash is an issue, then the meal plan would probably be ideal.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met a lot of people who were locals. I became close friends with some of them. We took trips and did things together that allowed all of us to bond and become closer.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I tore a muscle while down there. There is a hospital about a block from the campus that was very accommodating. The health care is provided through the program fees. Everything was taken care of and it was very easy to get through the process.

* Safety:

I never once felt unsafe. The school is located in a suburban area called Manly that caters to a younger crowd. It was a very safe town.

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? $75-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Split cabs with people. Cabs are good but they are very expensive to take on your own. If you decide to you want to go into Sydney which I'm sure you will, always take the Ferry. ALWAYS! It costs $5 each way. Half the time, the ferry attendants will let you on for free if they recognize you. Plus, the ferry is a cool way to see the Harbor and everything surrounding Sydney.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 relationships that I formed
  • The exciting activities
  • The aspect of personal growth
* What could be improved?
  • Better food alternatives
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It took me a little while to adjust to being myself. Do not be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. I can't stress that enough! You won't regret it. Face your fears. Don't have regrets.

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 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.