An Incredible Semester Past Review
By Shelby K (Sociology., Pennsylvania State University - University Park) - abroad from 02/20/2013 to 07/02/2013 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Sydney - University of New South Wales
I was able to gain an experience unlike any other. I have never lived so far away from home, and I found that there were so many other people doing what I did. I made such strong friendships, and experienced things I never thought I would do (like skydiving!!!!). I traveled to Thailand, New Zealand, Fiji, and other cities in Australia, and each place had something special about it. I would 110% do it all over again and I think it was more than worthwhile. Australia is an INCREDIBLE country and I would love to go back there someday soon.
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? |
Bondi Junction is the most convenient housing option, with both the train station and bus station directly underneath. Coogee Beach housing is right on the beach and another great option. |
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Unfortunately, I had to make a few trips to the doctor/hospital. I found them to be extremely helpful, TEAN staff was also able to provide me with the best places to go. |
| * 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) |
In general, Australia is a very expensive country. If you can get a job, I definitely suggest that because it will definitely give you the ability to have more money to spend! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $120 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how fast time would fly by. DO EVERYTHING RIGHT AWAY!!!!! It's hard because you want to get used to your routine in a foreign country, but before I knew it, it was July and I was headed back to America. I had an amazing semester, but I always wish I had more time. |
