Australia Study Abroad: Exploring Life like Never Before - Ecology in Australia Past Review

By (Biology, Carleton College) for

Study Abroad Programs in Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was fantastic and really gave me direction in my future career paths.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was a lot of work, but it consisted of snorkeling and exploring a rainforest, or watching kangaroos...so not really work in the traditional sense. A great way to get out of the standard classroom and try field research in one of the wildest continents on earth.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Given the programs very transient and pro-wilderness nature your experience can be altered by weather patterns, animal migrations etc. Therefore problems with logistics did arise but were always promptly corrected or altered.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Sometimes we were in tents and in bunkrooms at research stations. I lived my classmates and professors.

* Food:

Food was great, dietary restrictions were of no concern. The group has its own caterers so dining out is not a thing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our group bonded very very well, however not much cultural interaction with the Australians. Our group did go visit museums, animal reserves etc.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Australia is very safe if you can avoid box jellies, crocodiles, snakes, spiders, ticks, leeches, dingos, bats and a whole bunch more...but I never felt in any danger what so ever.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The projects
  • The places
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Sunscreen, rain jacket, and no expectations, you never know what may happen.