Past Review

By (Accounting, 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?
My study abroad experience was very worthwhile. I made some great friends and had experiences I will never forget.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors lectured well and were very organized. For anybody in the accounting major however, business classes taken in Australia have little application in the US due to different tax structures and accounting laws.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

International office workers are overwhelmed. Oftentimes I would have to send multiple emails or go to the office to make sure requests were handled.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The Murdoch Village is a set of apartment complexes. The apartments themselves are nice and decently furnished. I lived in the Hakea building in the new village. <br /><br /> Nightlife is often hindered by strictly enforced noise regulations. Make sure to pay for housing before arriving in Australia, it is easy not to do that and be surprised with a bill on arrival.

* Food:

Groceries as well as restaurants are extremely expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Nightlife in Perth and in Freemantle is alot of fun. Great clubs and bars. The Northwest trip is also a must, maybe the best 10 days of the whole trip. Music festivals frequent Perth, be sure to get to one.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Campus and the city are very safe. Healthcare is easily accessible on campus. I would suggest buying the OSHC Insurance to simplify things if you do get sick.

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? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Food and alcohol are extremely expensive. Freemantle has an open market on the weekends where food is much cheaper. Internet in the student village costs $40 per month.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There is something for everybody in Perth. It is a much smaller city than some of its counterparts such as Sydney, but the coastline is beautiful.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Corporate Finance

Course Department: Bus224
Instructor: Dominc Gasbarro
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very challenging course with a knowledgeable professor. Alot of the material however is not applicable in the US due to different taxation laws and accounting methods.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Information Systems Management

Course Department: ICT326
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very challenging course. No field trips or use of the location. Very applicable knowledge for a student pursuing a business major.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Creative Writing I

Course Department: EGL122
Instructor: Simone Lazaroo
Instruction Language: English
Comments: A fun and interesting class to take. Meets only once a week for 3 hours, which sometimes feels too long, but overall very good.
Credit Transfer Issues: