Studying in Australia was an easy transition! Past Review

By (Marketing, University of Iowa) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes! I think my study abroad experience was extremely worthwhile. living and studying a a country give you a different experience than just traveling there. I had time to fully take in a new culture, I built some lasting friendships with Australians, it was cool to see the ways their day to day live varied from America. I feel like a more well-rounded person because of my time in Australia. I would enjoy working abroad at some point in my life, and i know this is an experience i can handle after my time abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The grading scale was different then in the US so that took some getting used to, passing grades (above a 50 percent) we considered good, so it was weird to see a paper with a 50 or 60 and it was an ok grade. I didn't this the teaching methods were too different from the US. I thought the classes had less contact time, which was nice for traveling!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Education Abroad Network was so helpful! they made it really easy to set up housing, classes, trips..ect. If we even needed anything we could call our contact in australia and he would come over to our apartment to fix what was broken or help find someone to help us. It was very easy to stay in contact with the program leaders and they checked in often.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived literally 50 steps from the beach! It was awesome. our apartment was well kept and really nice. I had 5 other roommates, we shared rooms, two girls per room. I felt that our apartment was secure and safe. It was close to the bus stop which making going into the heart of the city very easy. there were lots of study abroad kids who lived in the same area as us.

* Food:

I bought my own groceries, there was a store near my apartment. It had a decent selection but not as many option as an american grocery store. There were lots of cute little restaurants around my apartment were i would go out to every once in a while, I loved the Tai food in Australia!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I went on some weekend trip around australia that were really fun! I also loved spending the weekends in Sydney, we would hang out on the beach during the day and then go out a night. I did lots of adventurous things during my time abroad i went Sky diving, rock climbing, bungee jumping, scuba diving...and more. I made some australian friends i loved when they would take us to Rugby games and things around Sydney because we got a local perspective on things!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I was never injured or sick while abroad but i knew friends who were, and went to the student health at our university, i think it was well run. As far as being safe, like i said earlier i always felt safe at my apartment. Also the city of Sydney is clean and safe. It is like being in any big city you need to be aware of your surroundings and shouldn't do things like walk alone at night.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think Australia is the perfect place for anyone who loves the beach, and to be out doors. It is a pretty easy transition since they speak english and are very friendly people. The Education Abroad Network is great because they pretty much take of every thing making your time abroad worry free. If you want great living accommodation,