Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Years' Experience in A TEAN Summer Past Review

By (Environmental Policy & Planning; Geograpy: Geographic Information Systems, The University of New South Wales) - abroad from 06/18/2014 to 07/26/2014 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 gained social skills, self confidence and a vast amount of knowledge about Australia and it's wildlife and Aboriginal culture.

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.

Understanding and knowledgeable professors, majority of learning was outside in the field!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Camping, hostels and backpacker resorts!

* Food:

Australia provides such a diverse options of foods. TEAN made sure to accommodate the diversity.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Excursions led almost completely by Aboriginal individuals or of Aboriginal decent.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No personal issues whilst abroad, but insurance was always available through my home university (Virginia Tech).

* Safety:

Different from some places, your location is as safe as you make it during this program. Just be aware of surroundings, it is Australia, lots of creatures :P

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)

Without excessive spending, it wasn't expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook your own food :)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Traveling around Australia
  • Seeing more of Australia than most locals
  • Experience and interacting with the landscape
* What could be improved?
  • Being provided more insect repellent
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To bring more money and bug spray and less clothes.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.