Studying Abroad in Sydney, Australia Past Review
By Cassie P (Biology, General., New Mexico State University) for
ISEP Exchange: Sydney - Exchange Program at Macquarie University
I feel like I know more about myself now. I know that sounds cliche but I feel like I have a better understanding of what I want to do in the future and what I enjoy doing now. I now know that I can stray from my family and seize opportunities I didn't think I could take before. I have experience in my work of study due to my internship which will definitely benefit me.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Macquarie University |
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Teaching strategies are very different. Teachers leave many things unexplained assuming you know what to do and how to do it. All exams are short answer/essay questions. They don't give extra credit if you fall behind. You have to be completely self sufficient or else it will catch up with you at the end. I received many of my first grades within the last 3 weeks of classes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I was able to be an exchange student which gave me a very generous meal stipend which was nice to have. I still am confused on how my grades or if my grades transfer back, goes back to poor communication. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
They are very moldy and rundown. The carpets are stained and the furniture is broken, but they are very close to campus! |
| * Food: |
It is hard to buy groceries because the store is too close to take a taxi or bus, but a long walk. I strongly urge people to try the local food (kangaroo, crocodile, emu) at least once for the experience. The Australian Hotel has it all! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
A little too much partying for me. Many of the other study abroad people in my building took drinking to the extreme. I got along with my roommates very well! We did many of the tourist/sight seeing things together. Went to Melbourne, New Zealand, and the Great Ocean road together (all three are a MUST SEE!!!!) |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I feel that the parklands are a bit in the ghetto. There are creepers around at night, do not go anywhere alone. I never had healthcare issues. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | When booking flights make sure the airline does not cost you extra to carry-on a bag. I have been fooled twice by booking a really cheap flight with a great deal and then getting to the airport and they try to charge me $120 AUD to take my bag. Be careful with good flight deals. |
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do not take core classes!! Take electives or filler classes. If you love to travel, Macquarie gives you the flexibility you need in order to work around your school schedule. |
