From New Jersey to Australian Postgrad Mentor Past Review
By Kimberly F (Master of International Communication, Macquarie University) for
Macquarie University: Sydney - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My abroad experience was simply amazing. I loved it so much that I decided to go back to school for a second Masters. I have made friends of a lifetime which was odd when you think of your friends back home. However, being so far away, many of them were not just friends, but family. Because of that I have travelled to many of my friends home countries. You can pick pretty much any place in Europe, E. Africa, Asia and S.E Asia and I probably have been there. What I learned in the classroom was nothing compared to what I learned outside from friends.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | LaTrobe Univesity, University of Stirling |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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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? |
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| * Food: |
It definitely took quite awhile for myself as well as other Americans to get use to Australian food...just keep an open mind you will find something you like eventually. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Just way too many to name lol. Its Australia and students come from all over the world. When you make new friends in an environment such as Sydney your bound to find yourself trying new experiences. Have to admit though, traveling to Queensland with friends from Uni is an experience I will never forget. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I would have to say that health and safety is not an issue. In the last weeks of my first semester I became very ill and was hospitalized. Not only was Macquarie Uni supportive, but my healthcare providers took care of everything and I mean EVERYTHING. They only wanted me to get better. |
| 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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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Remember to always keep an open mind!! Studying abroad can be an amazing experience but it also can turn sour if you are expecting things to be like your home country. Different can be good too. I chose to study Postgrad International Communication and International Security Studies. Both programs were amazing because everyone came from a different undergrad background. Do not be afraid to try new things...I believe I received the best of both worlds. |
