The Most Rewarding Experience Past Review

By (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo) - abroad from 06/17/2019 to 08/16/2019 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Australia Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am so glad that I decided to do this abroad program. I stayed in my home town for college, so leaving home for nine weeks to work abroad made me feel a lot more confident that I can leave home for graduate school. I also learned a lot about Australian culture, as well as the cultures of a lot of my coworkers. This abroad experience also validated my love of traveling and makes me excited to come back to Australia to travel more and to travel to other places. This program was extremely worthwhile.

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.

While I didn't take any classes at a university, I can say that the level of knowledge required for my internship was high, and I learned a lot while working at my internship.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The in-country TEAN team were truly amazing. They arranged once in a lifetime experiences both at orientation and once in my host city. And they always were there for me when I reached out for help, like trying to figure out where to see a doctor, the best places to get groceries, or what sites to see.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing the TEAN arranged for me was just a block away from my internship site and was right next to a university. I was able to walk to work and be around other students. It was also within walking distance to a lot of places in the city, like the Adelaide Oval, where I watched Australian Football games, and city center, where I would get groceries, go shopping, or watch movies. The apartment was the perfect size for my roommate and I, and it even came with a small kitchen that had everything provided for us.

* Food:

The cuisine in Australia is very similar to cuisines you can find in the United States. There are a lot of familiar brands, as well as local Australian brands that are available for any craving. And in Adelaide, my host city, there were a lot of Asian cuisines on every street. I saw a lot of Chinese, Vietnamese, or Thai food, so if you love these cuisines, Adelaide is the city for you!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

A lot of the times, I would forget I was in a foreign country. I went to watch a movie at a local theater, and it showed a car driving on the right side of the road and I thought "The car is driving on the wrong side of the road" because I got so used to cars driving on the left side of the road. I also got very accustomed to riding on public transportation, shopping in local stores, and eating in local restaurants. I also went to a lot of AFL games where I supported the local teams.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

A few weeks into my program, I rolled my ankle and needed to see a doctor to make sure nothing was fractured or broken. It was very easy to book appointments online at a nearby clinic. The doctor was able to get X-rays and follow up appointments very easily. The only thing that was different was that the doctors I saw didn't check my vitals, like blood pressure or temperature, when I saw them, and they didn't ask about preexisting conditions so I had to be proactive and volunteer information to them,

* Safety:

I always felt very safe in my host city of Adelaide. I felt comfortable taking public transportation around the city, walking around by myself, and being out at night.

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

TEAN arranged an amazing internship that will help my future, and they arranged memorable excursions. I would recommend a TEAAN program to anyone I know.

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 expensive, but I'm from California so it was prices were pretty comparable. I was also very lucky that the trams in the city center of Adelaide were free, so I didn't have to pay for public transportation in the city. When I arrived TEAN provided a transportation card that was loaded with money so I didn't have to spend money to go to the beach or the mall. I also didn't eat out much or buy a tons of drinks on nights out. I think it is possible to not spend a lot each week, but it depends on what you choose to do with your time in Australia. If you eat out at restaurants, party every weekend, travel around the country, or have to pay for public transportation, you are going to be spending a lot of money each week.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Meeting international friends
  • Meeting the other people doing the same program
  • TEAN staff
* What could be improved?
  • TEAN didn't have an updated address for my internship
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more or was given more information about my host city and I wish I knew more about the Australian work ethic, but this is all information that I could have researched without TEAN explicitly providing it to me.

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!