Great location for sightseeing didn't have to worry about a language barrier Past Review

By (Biology, General., Berea College) for

James Cook University - Cairns: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes it was worthwhile, i enjoyed it alot, and learned alot in a different educational and global setting. I have become more independent and practical.

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.

There were very high expectations and the final was worth 50% of the grade, which made alot of pressure. I had no language difficulties, since Australia is english speaking.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The abroad office at JCU was very helpful and offered trips for international students

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Student lodge near campus, arranged in clusters which include a living room and three separate bedrooms and a bathroom. Meals were included, also there was a swimming pool <br /><br />

* Food:

The food was just average cafeteria food

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made 3 very good American friends, we all lived at the lodge together. It was alot of fun going to the beach a few minutes away, or going shopping in Cairns or sightseeing the Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest. I went to an excellent location to sightsee.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Health care was provided

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? about $100. It really depended, because I spent alot when I traveled (I spent about $800 going to Japan). Meals were provided, but the sightseeing and souvenires cost too.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? don't spurge, money trickles away so easily. Try to stick to your budget and always bring extra cash/credit card in case your card quits working so you are not stuck without money.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? keep in mind there are many other students studying abroad where you are going, so you are not alone. keep an open mind and lower your expectations.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Effective Photography

Course Department: PT1410
Instructor: J. Drinkall
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The instructor for this course was not a very effective teacher, and half way through the course had to be replaced by another teacher. The original professor simply read off overhead slides and was unable to answer many student's questions.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Australian Vertebrate Fauna

Course Department: BZ3705
Instructor: L. Schwarzkopf
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was a very good course, although quite difficult. The field trip to Toomba Nature Refuge was a great experience during which I learned alot about fauna surveying. This was a very interesting subject and taught well.
Credit Transfer Issues: