Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great travel and learning experience Past Review

By (Marine Science, University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 02/09/2013 to 06/25/2013 with

ISA Study Abroad in Townsville, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to travel on a budget and on my own. I believe it was very worthwhile

Review Photos

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad: Townsville - James Cook University, Townsville Photo GlobaLinks Learning Abroad: Townsville - James Cook University, Townsville Photo GlobaLinks Learning Abroad: Townsville - James Cook University, Townsville Photo GlobaLinks Learning Abroad: Townsville - James Cook University, Townsville Photo GlobaLinks Learning Abroad: Townsville - James Cook University, Townsville Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a dorm with my own kitchen. I was very happy to cook my own meals after hearing everyone complain about the meal plans in the other dorms.

* Food:

I cooked my own 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)

Since I had to do my own grocery shopping, expenses were higher. It was difficult without an income.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~ $80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Start saving money early

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The marine bio classes
  • The people I met
  • The travel experiences
* What could be improved?
  • The cost
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would need more money than I went with.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Ecology and evolution of reef fishes
Course Department: Marine and tropical biology
Instructor: David Bellwood
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Absolutely loved this course!! I learned a lot, and it wasn't easy but I enjoyed the challenge!
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Australian and Pacific Explorations
Course Department: History
Instructor: Clare Brennan
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Although the subject material was interesting at first, the instructor was very boring to listen to and was a very strict grader. I was quickly bored/ frustrated with this class. I do not suggest it.
Credit Transfer Issues: