Past Review

By (BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES., SUNY - Binghamton) for

SUNY Binghamton: Perth - Exchange & Study Abroad Program at Murdoch University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience is one that I will never forget. You would be surprized how easy it is to fall into a society, adapt and change so that you feel like you've been living here all your life. I have learned so much and I wouldnt give up this opportunity for anything. I only wish I could stay longer.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2010

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I feel more challenged in the US. I most certainly learned so much here and have become a more well-rounded person because of it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They really wanted me to get the most out of my time here. Always let me know what was going on (campus and in the city)

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

single bed in 5 room flat on campus <br /><br /> murdoch university village was expensive but convienent and i met so many people

* Food:

difficult to adapt to not having certain things that you can get at home. otherwise food is great. Go to fremantle and get fish and chips!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

met so many wonderful people that I love and will miss dearly

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

was not afraid to walk around at night by myself

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? It is very expensive here. Groceries, alcohol, events, and restaurants are expensive more so than i anticipated
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save some extra cash to travel or get a job while your here

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* 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? Don't stay on campus all the time because you will miss other cultural experiences. The school is not located in the city, so go into there sometimes and see galleries shows concerts shop. Perth and Fremantle are wonderful cities.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Vertebrate Evolution and Adaptation

Course Department: Bio209
Instructor: Howard Gill
Instruction Language: English
Comments: We had a paper due every 2 weeks, an independent research project, and oral presentations on the papers we were handing in every other week. This class took a lot of getting used to because contact time was greatly decreased but work load was increased and moastly on your own. I found it challenging.
Credit Transfer Issues: Not home yet
Course Name/Rating:

Animal Diversity

Course Department: Bio261
Instructor: Howard Gill
Instruction Language: English
Comments: We had a lab componant that is not very organized. I did enjoy this class because it was set up very similar to american standards of teaching. Lectures were once a week but 3 hours long. Lecturer was very supportive and wanted to help. Class size was large but people were receptive and worked together in labs and asking questions.
Credit Transfer Issues: Not home yet
Course Name/Rating:

Sustainability Ecology and Communities

Course Department: STP212
Instructor: Nicole Hodgson
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was a new subject for me that I found challenging to understand. Work load consisted of 2 major projects 4 short papers and weekly readings discussed in a tutorial. The teachers were very receptive to questions and wanted you to learn how to be a sustainable facilitator. This calss really applies to everything and I would take it again, wasn't too hard.
Credit Transfer Issues: Not home yet