Australia: an experience Past Review

By (Marine Sciences., University of Maine at Orono) for

ISA Study Abroad in Townsville, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
YES. I loved everything about my experience. It was so positive and refreshing to be in a total new environment. I recommend it to anyone who finds themselves adventurous.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It's a lot different. I was surprised I did as well as I did. It's very written based and independent. Teachers don't spoon feed you anything.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Really laid back. I could have done without the seminars. A walking based tour on site would have been so much more beneficial. Maybe a panal at the end of the seminar would have been better so we could get a feel for the country and then ask questions, instead of getting really biased experiences from other people.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food was disgusting. End of story.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

oh Lots! I loved going to the Lone Pine Animal Reserve and the Rainforest outside of Brisbane. That was awesome!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe while I was abroad. Only after I watched Wolf creek!

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? Everything was a lot more expensive than I intended it to be. Traveling by far was extremely pricey.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Food is A LOT more expensive.

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

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the travel!
* What could be improved?
  • more time! longer programs!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be honest with yourself about what you expect and what you want to get out of the program. Be as open minded as you can. It's going to be a wild ride.