Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The BEST experience of my LIFE! Past Review

By (Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities., Saint Mary's College of California) - abroad from 02/18/2013 to 06/21/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I want to go back! Australia was such an amazing expereience. The culture, the PEOPLE, and the country in general were sights to remember. The country was beautiful and I wouldn't change a thing!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not personally have any health issues during my stay, but from the experience that some of my peers had, the health issues were addressed well.

* Safety:

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)

Because Australia's student visa is also paired with a work visa (and I got a job when I was abroad) it was very easy to live/ afford to live there.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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
  • Host Family
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?
  • the living situation
  • meeting with our representative for tea/coffee
  • the TEAN orientation in Sydney
* What could be improved?
  • communication about billing/additional costs (lab fees, etc.)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have better packed for the weather! The seasons are flipped, and I didn't end up bringing enough winter wear! (but that was a good excuse to go shopping!)

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'