A Good Beginner's Guide Past Review

By (Siena College) - abroad from 02/13/2012 to 07/20/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Never traveled abroad before this and was very hesitant, but everything went better than could be planned. I feel empowered, like I could live anywhere and figure it out.

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.

Classes only meet once a week, and most work is major research assignments, but they were not overwhelming and I genuinely feel like I learned a lot.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Like any other university administration.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Port Lodge is a fun environment, but an old building. Generally liked living in a single, cooking for myself.

* Food:

You cook for yourself, and have community dinner twice weekly.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It's impossible to not be a part of the community, Perth/Fremantle is small and comfortable. I worked at a community bike workshop and met people that way.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Two friends had health issues and were covered by Australian visa healthcare completely.

* Safety:

Fremantle is a small city, very safe.

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)

Australia is just more expensive than America. I was spending about 100$ per week for basics and then a bit more for fun things.

* 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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There's a 300$ community dinner fee!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* 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?
  • I didn't have to learn a language and TEAN was super concerned with my happiness.
* What could be improved?
  • TEAN did not alert me to some of the extra fees.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? $5000 is not enough, save more!!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Aboriginal People

Course Department: Aboriginal Studies
Instructor: Steve Kinnane
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Challenging because I knew nothing about Aboriginal culture prior to this course. Steve is extremely relevant and knowledgable. Fair workload. You must be opinionated and share your opinions in this class!
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Social Justice, Service Learning and Community Engagement

Course Department: Social Justice
Instructor: Martin Drum
Instruction Language: Englsih
Comments: If you have any desire to have a career talking to, working with or interacting in any way with other people TAKE THIS COURSE. Guest lecturers each class introduce you to a variety of perspectives and reflection time at the end of each class helps you to sort your ideas and form opinions.
Credit Transfer Issues: