Living Life Past Review

By (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo) - abroad from 06/20/2016 to 11/24/2016 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Perth - Murdoch University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It really opened my eyes to the rest of the world and life in general. It changed my outlook on myself and my lifestyle. It was a growing up and life changing experience. It might sound cheesy, but it is one of those things people have to go through to understand.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Different teaching style in Australia. It was a bit challenging at first, but i eventually adjusted and learned a lot of different things that I would not have learned in the states.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was so nice and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Apartment style living, I wish I got more of a say of who I lived with-wished i had more things in common with my roommates.

* Food:

Food was basically the same, aside from the desserts. They were so diverse and delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met more Australians at the end. Because of my roommate placements, it was a little harder to meet locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

i never had to go, but my friends that went said it was good.

* Safety:

Nothing to worry about, even the bugs-they really aren't bad.

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

I loved Australia and I had an exciting, eye opening experience. Everyone was so helpful and basically every moment there was amazing.

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)

Money depended on the activities I was doing. But it usually wan not too bad as long as I wasn't doing any big activities.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? It really depended week to week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go grocery shopping and cook your own food. Also, only buy stuff you absolutely need and try bringing stuff from home.

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

  • 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?
  • people
  • area where I studied
  • helpfulness
* What could be improved?
  • communication
  • information before people leave
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I just wish I knew more about the place and how life was going to be, and how classes were going to be. I kind of went and had to adjust as I went, almost knowing nothing. It was mostly exciting, but at times a little confusing.

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!