Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Even a Near-Death Experience couldn't keep me from LOVING Townsville, Australia! Past Review

By (Jewish/Judaic Studies., Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/09/0014 to 06/21/2014 with

ISA Study Abroad in Townsville, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Nothing is quite like studying abroad. I had a very special circumstance, but no matter who you are, you get to visit a foreign country, learn a new culture, adopt that culture, and learn a lot about yourself. STUDY ABROAD!! I wish I could go again!

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.

Everything about James Cook University is incredible. The culture, the school, the people, the professors, the classes. I would not trade my time there for anything.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Really, they're awesome. A great resource. They plan awesome events. Take full advantage.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

LIVE IN UNIVERSITY HALL!! That place is the BOMB!! So much fun! Great people, great events, and the dorms are pretty nice too!

* Food:

Somewhat repetitive meal schedule, but hey, at least you get 3 meals a day on campus. :) Dining hall located right next to dorms.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

AUSTRALIA IS SOOOO COOL!! I integrated immediately. Made the best friends I could imagine, both Australian as well as international. Still talk to them every day. Went to Rugby games and other mainstay Australian cultural events. The country is just so chill and laid back. So much fun.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was in a pretty serious accident, and the program, the university, and the Australian health care system took incredible care of me. I was much happier being treated there than I would have been in America. Just google my name to hear my story! :)

* Safety:

Townsville is incredible. It's totally safe, just be careful of people anywhere in Australia when alcohol is involved. The campus itself is 150% safe. great place to be.

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)

Australia's pretty expensive in general. but the minimum wage is way higher, so try to get a job. Alcohol is very expensive. Insanely so. But you get a meal plan, so food is free unless you choose to go out all the time. The food is pretty good too. Australia is expensive, but if you're thrifty you can do some pretty neat stuff.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? not very much.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look for coupons and deals, especially through the university. Also, no matter what you're doing, ALWAYS ASK IF THERE IS A STUDENT DISCOUNT! Carry your student ID with you everywhere.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People - made the best friends I could imagine
  • Culture - so laid back and chill
  • Helpfulness of everyone involved
* What could be improved?
  • Honestly, I legit loved every second I was there.
  • If anything could be improved, I would say its helping find a job for international students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How awesome it was. I would have gone for longer.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Linking Indigenousness
Course Department: Indigenous Studies
Instructor: Sharon Moore
Instruction Language: English
Comments: An awesome opportunity to learn about Aboriginal Culture in Australia. Awesome Field Trips, great teacher. Totally Worthwhile
Credit Transfer Issues: