Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

TEAN Sydney, The time of my life. Past Review

By (Nursing., West Texas A&M University) - abroad from 02/13/2013 to 07/02/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how even the way people learn differs from country to country. I gained friends for a life time and a second home in Sydney. It was the best experience I've ever had in my entire life. I will be going back, It's not a matter of if, but when.

Review Photos

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

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.

Class's taught in Australia, not only cover different material than I was use to, it was also taught in a different way.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Administrators for the TEAN program were always there to help when ever you needed it. I was taking online summer classes through an American University and needed a proctor for my midterm, my TEAN administrator agreed to proctored my test after just one conversation. It was extremely helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing at Bondi Junction is wonderful. An elevator ride away from buses, trains, and cabs. Centrally located an equal distance from just about everything. Located across the street from the mall which has just about every shop you could possibly need, grocery stores, and salons. The beach is a nice walk or short bus ride away. Downtown is four train stops away. Uni is a 15 min bus ride. I loved my time living at Bondi, beautiful apartments with the best views in all of Sydney.

* Food:

The food is really good in Sydney, some things you wouldn't expect to taste different, like burgers, are very different. The biggest issue with food is the cost. When I first got to Sydney I was unprepared for the cost differential. After a few weeks; however, I was able to adapt to the costs and it became less of an issue.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I, personally, became very integrated with the culture. I have three extremely good Aussie friends I made during my time in Australia. One of my friends became a day to day part of my life and will be coming to spend a month with me in December during her Holiday break. I love the people of Australia. As a culture, they are very relaxed and friendly.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I gave this a 5 even though I never had a need to visit the doctor. I was well prepared, through my program, to know where to go and what to do if I needed to.

* Safety:

Sydney is a really well lit, and safe city. Just like every other city, you need to be cautious, no matter where you are, there will always be bad people. I felt perfectly safe and Sydney and never had an incident.

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 an expensive city. Anyone who tells you it's not, has never been there. Of course there are things you can do to prevent some costs. When you're in a city like Sydney, you tend to go out more, eat out more, and just spend more money in general.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $185
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try and get a job. You will have more then enough free time, and in my experience the more free time you have, the more money you spend. If you are going to get a job, start applying BEFORE you get there. Once you're there, it will probably be too late. Also, you've got a kitchen, by cooking for yourself, you'll save a lot of money. Of the two major grocery stores, Coles and Woolworths, Coles is usually cheaper.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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 Australian people
  • The Adventures (bungie jumping, surfing, scuba diving, living in a different country)
  • The Travel
* What could be improved?
  • The cost (but you get what you pay for)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The cost of living in Sydney. Although I had been told about it, I didn't realize how big of a difference it was.

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.'