My New Home Past Review
By Shanna W (Psychology / Animal Science, Oregon State University) for
Macquarie University: Sydney - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned SO MUCH from my experience, it would be impossible to summarize it. I've travelled all over looking for the ideal place I would want to live for the rest of my life, and finally I felt like I found my home in Australia. On top of that I got a lot of research experience that I couldn't have gotten elsewhere.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was harder than I expected. I LOVED the way they set up lectures and taught classes. I don't think I've ever learned so much, and I still remember a lot. They also have i-lectures where lectures are recorded which is nice if you have to miss a class due to sickness or something. It is a LOT harder to get good grades there though, and LONG finals were a bit intimidating. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The family I stayed with was amazing. They helped me with everything, introduced me to a lot of locals, and made me feel like another member of the family. I lived better there than I ever have. |
| * Food: |
The food was great. There is a lot of oriental food and things, but nothing way out of the ordinary. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I got really involved with my church group there and had a blast! We had formal dances, went surfing, hung out on the beach, played games, went out to eat, etc. By the end I really felt like I had tons of friends there, and I still miss them. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Studying abroad is amazing no matter where you go. Macquarie has an amazing animal behavior department which was perfect for me. I got to work with researchers and participate in an experiment that is really important for grad schools. In order to make it such a great experience though, you really have to be proactive and get to know people and places. |
