Loving Ozzie Life - Hunter's Australia Today in Geelong Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload given to our group was slightly more than expected and the grading was more stern. In the three weeks that we were there, we had to complete a few long papers that took up time. The classes were a little longer than I hoped they would be as well. I think I had this view only because I wanted more time to travel and see the country than I sitting in a classroom.

On-site administration of your program

I felt that the program administrator had a wealth of knowledge about Austrlalian culture and history as well as knowledge on American higher learning and culture. The school was clean and had many resources including library, computer room, lounge, cafe and outdoor quad. The program was a small size where individuals could get help and personal attention. My expectations of the class were exceeded.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was arranged for the entire group. A house was rented out with about 12 rooms. Each student got their own room that was very spacious. Each room was very clean, had a double bed, a desk and a large window. I was lucky to get a room that overlooked part of the harbour. The kitchen was large as well, there was a pool room and a tv room as well as a small backyard. We also had our own fridges in each room. Coming from a commuter college, this was my first experience living away from home and It was excellent!

The food was delicious nearly every placce I went. Since living on a harbour there is excellent seafood. The portions of food are the same as they are in the states. I recommend the restaurant closest to the water across the grass from the merry go round. Mixed drinks as well are not that popular so I also recommend trying some local brews.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The entire trip was something never to forget. Travelling to the other side of the country by yourself and experiencing new things is something I will always cherish. Some memorable cultural events include a visit to china town in Melboourne, the opera house in Sydney, the coastal drive along the great ocean road. We met a family while we were there that became our Ozzie Family. They took us to a real 'barbie' and showed us nice beaches to go to such as torquay. The most memorable was the trip we took to the whitsunday islands (not with the program) and saw the most beautiful scenary on earth!! Gorgeous Islands and Coral Reef!!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It is very safe in Australia. Just be mindful when crossing the road because those cars to not stop. Make sure to look the opposite way down the street too because they drive on the WRONG side. Like anywhere you go, watch your pockets in big cities. There were no health issues with our group or myself so we did not need health services. You do not need shots to go to Australia, but If you plan on going to south east asia while you are there you do. The only thing health wise I reccommend is WEAR SUNBLOCK!!

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

we learned a few slang australian words like oz and prawns, the course encouraged us to use a the australian way of writing which is not too much different than our own. in our everyday interactions with people that we met we picked up words here and there but communicating was not difficult seeing as how we both spoke english.

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