Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Most amazing 5 months of my life! Past Review

By (Radio, Television, and Digital Communication., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 02/07/2012 to 06/26/2012 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Sydney - University of New South Wales

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was one of the most worthwhile things I have ever done. I learned so much about myself as a person and was exposed to a completely new culture. I learned that I have a huge passion for traveling and I can't wait to travel more in the future.

Review Photos

Education Abroad Network: Sydney - University of New South Wales Photo Education Abroad Network: Sydney - University of New South Wales Photo Education Abroad Network: Sydney - University of New South Wales Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

I lived in TEAN's housing in Bondi Junction at Tiffany Tower. This was an amazing housing option in a perfect location. Not far from Uni, really close to the beach, and easy to get into the city.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

TEAN did a new cultural events program this semester which provided us with tickets to 3 separate cultural events including a rugby game, concert at the Opera House, and show. I also made some really good Australian friends which made the experience so much better.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The best place to go if you are having any health issues in the health center at Uni, its free.You can get really ripped off at the private places in the suburbs. It Is hard to find specialists though if you are having issues.

* Safety:

I have never felt safer than I did in Sydney.

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)

Sydney is expensive and even being pretty conservative with money you are still bound to spend a lot each week between groceries, eating out, going out, etc.

* 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? at least $100 a week maybe more
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to take cabs as much as possible and find deals. Groupon and LivingSocial are great in Sydney and can help you do things you already want to do for cheaper.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • 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
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 trips offered
  • the cultural events included
  • the housing options
* What could be improved?
  • I really can't think of anything!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had gone to University of Sydney and I wish I had saved up more money before going. Sydney is so expensive and so is travel. I wish I had had even more money to spend while I was there.