Western Australia: The Time of My Life Past Review

By (Journalism., Drake University) for

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Perth - University of Notre Dame

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was totally worthwhile! I learned so much about a culture that I thought would be so similar! Turns out, they're vastly different!!

Review Photos

Education Abroad Network: Perth - University of Notre Dame Photo

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 workload is super light, but the teaching method is much different. I think that because the workload is fairly light, it was easier to adapt to the different teaching style.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Similar to American administration systems.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I enjoyed living in Port Lodge with its community feel and single rooms.

* Food:

We cook for ourselves except for a community meal twice a week. The community meal is super expensive and required by the host university. I wish it wasn't because I didn't know about the fee until I got here and didn't budget for it. Kangaroo is delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met tons of friends through my job with Ultimo Catering and through my classes!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I ended up going to the hospital once while I was there and they really took care of me!

* Safety:

I never really felt unsafe at all!

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 was on a major budget right from the start because a few of my cards didn't work in Australia at all. As long as you didn't go out to eat a lot or make unnecessary trips, its totally feasible.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No one informed me of the $300 fee for community meals!! I didn't budget for that!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* 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?
  • Cultural Experiences
  • Wide Range of People
  • Fun Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Budgeting Information
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how expensive everything was and how much I should budget.