I learned to be a grown-up! Past Review

By (Biological and Physical Sciences, University of Virginia) - abroad from 07/07/2015 to 11/21/2015 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Melbourne - University of Melbourne

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely worthwhile! To use an old cliche, I definitely learned a lot about myself being thrown into an entirely new setting with all new people! This experience gave me a new outlook on the world, and I think that it's help me to become a global citizen. I would absolutely do it again in a heartbeat!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Growing up in the suburbs of Pennsylvania I was never exposed to city living. Being in the heart of a bustling city like Melbourne for nearly 5 months taught me that I can survive in a city on my own and I'm capable of being a real adult!

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)

If I could go back and do it again I probably would have gotten a part-time job in Melbourne while I was there. I had more downtime than I expected, and it would have been great to have a little extra spending money especially at the end of the semester!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Travel opportunities
  • Resident Director
  • Navigating a new place solo
* What could be improved?
  • Option to live with a host family
  • More connection between academic advisors and TEAN advisors
  • Linking us up with TEAN alum's who had studied in the same city before
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how expensive everything was going to be abroad, and also how to plan a cheap trip. Personally, I planned a trip to New Zealand's South Island after the semester ended and it would have been nice to know the best car rental companies, best budget airlines, and best hostels.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!