Newcastle has my heart! Past Review

By (University of New Hampshire) - abroad from 07/11/2018 to 12/01/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be resourceful and trust myself. I had very little travel experience prior to studying abroad but now I feel ready to take on the world!

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.

The University of Newcastle offered a variety of classes including the equivalent ones I needed for my environmental engineering major and dual major in sustainability. The classes were rigorous but manageable and all of the professors I had made it clear that they were available to students for help. There were also great resources at the university for students and additional ones for international students to help them get adjusted and resolve any issues or concerns. TEAN's advisors were also willing to help with academic issues the best they could!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Education Abroad Network was very organized and extremely helpful with everything from housing issues to helping students learn the area and checking in periodically.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a sharehouse with 5 other Americans and a mixture of Australians and other international students. It was a great way to meet other people and be close to campus.

* Food:

There were so many great restaurants in the Newcastle area. This included tons of cafes, burger places and a great variety of authentic international foods.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My housing situation allowed for great integration and being off campus I saw culture all around me. I also joined clubs at the university to get more involved and explore what the surrounding area has to offer.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any issues, but my friend did and was able to visit a local doctor. I was not required to get any vaccines.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in the area I was staying. The public transportation system was easy to use and ran throughout the night.

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

The location, people and experiences were absolutely incredible and I wouldn't change a thing!

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 was able to grocery shop for $30-$40 Australian dollars per week and ate out a for lunch or dinner a few times a week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about $250 a week

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
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Locals I met
  • Location
  • New experiences
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.