Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I'd Rather Be an Aboriginal! Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Berea College) - abroad from 02/14/2014 to 06/30/2014 with

ISA Study Abroad in Sydney, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
History is written by the winners.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

University of Sydney is different from what is expected of me and the intensity of what I expected was not as high as it could be.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

the International Office was good upon arrival but very rude to students. In fact, the people at the International Office were the first people to be rude to me because I needed questions answered. When an office says, "Come to us for help" or "we are here to help you" but make it seem like a burden--VERY DISSATISFIED!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Wish I could have learned a bit more about the arrangements before I made a decision but all is okay.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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)

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Bridging Cultures Program Orientation
* What could be improved?
  • Events for International Students
  • Events ran by my program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save more money! If money wasn't an issue, I would have had an excellent time but I was worried too much about money to enjoy myself.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!