Best time of my life Past Review

By (Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 01/29/2020 to 03/13/2020 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 invaluable experiences and memories that I'll never forget. I'm still very close with the friends I've made while I was abroad and I'll be forever grateful for that.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic at UNSW are significantly different than that of the states in terms of structure. You have less class throughout the week which lets you spend more time on the material and gives you a broader way in which to learn.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everything was extremely organized. From the moment we landed to the day we left the TEAN staff was extremely helpful in terms of navigating any issues we had.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was one of the best parts of the program. I lived at Coogee view in a beautiful apartment, right across the street from Coogee Beach. It was a beautiful location and great accommodations.

* Food:

The food was great, Sydney has hundreds of different options and great great sea food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were able to integrate with the local culture everyday, through going to school with Australians, hanging out at the beach and seeing the culture, and visiting all the sites.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues during my time abroad

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe and comfortable in Sydney and had no issues in terms of any safety incidents

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

TEAN was perfectly run and organized. Everyone who signs up for this program is likeminded in the sense that we're adventure driven and love to travel.

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)

You can defiantly live on a student's budget during your time in Sydney. There are plenty of places to get groceries and save money instead of going out.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save your money before you go but don't be afraid to spend while abroad. It's a one in a lifetime experience and you don't want to miss out! (Coming from a typically cheap person)

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
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 location of Sydney
  • The people
  • Beautiful weather
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that we were going to have a limited time there due to COVID, I would've tried to make more of my experience and do something new there everyday.

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.