Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Experience of a Lifetime! Past Review

By (Parks and Recreation Facilities Management, University of New Hampshire) - abroad from 02/09/2015 to 06/27/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
During my time abroad I became more independent and confident. I believe that studying abroad on my own was a huge factor in this. It forced me to really put myself out there in meeting new people and being adventurous. The entire experience was absolutely worthwhile and I would recommend it to anyone. Living in Australia for 5 months was truly life changing. I am so thankful I took advantage of the oppourtunity to do it during my college education.

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Newcastle - University of Newcastle Photo The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Newcastle - University of Newcastle Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The education system in Australia was different in many ways than that of the US so it brought forth challenges that were fun and interesting to work to accomplish throughout the semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration was always available and very helpful with any questions or problems that came up.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I am so glad I got to live with Australians! This made the whole experience 100x better and easier to accommodate with the culture.

* Food:

The food wasn't too out of the ordinary but with that being said there were a good amount of new and funky foods that I had to try! (Vegemite and kangaroo meat especially)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very well integrated my entire time abroad. I think living with Australians greatly helped with this because they showed us around and told us what places to go to and taught us a lot of the lingo.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program gave me overseas heath care within the university which I did end up having to use once. I got pink eye towards the end of my time there. The morning that I realized I had it I called to make an appointment at health services and they got me in that afternoon and gave me a prescription for eye drops that I was also able to get from the campus pharmacy. It was quick and stress free using the healthcare I was provided.

* Safety:

I felt safe my entire time in Australia; even when I made trips to other places around the country. That being said, I always use the buddy system no matter what.

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)

I am good with budgeting money so I was able to work with the budget I had. Things can get expensive so budgeting and having a list of must do activities you want to take part in while abroad is important.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Most weeks it was about $50 with public transportation and groceries for the week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save as much as you can before you leave to go abroad!! You don't realize how quickly the money goes by until you're down to your last $20.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • TEAN made everything stress-free and easy the entire time.
  • The orientation TEAN offered was a great lead in to helping me feel comfortable living a new country and being across the world.
  • The mid-semester break trip to Thailand offered by TEAN was an amazing opportunity and so much fun!!
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save more money...even if you think you have enough to last you save more! Coming home broke isn't the most fun thing.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.