Adventure Awaits! Past Review

By (Stonehill College) - abroad from 07/12/2016 to 11/26/2016 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Sydney - University of Notre Dame Sydney

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
When I decided on The Education Abroad Network program in Sydney, Australia, I had no idea that was the first of many great steps in my abroad journey. Living in Sydney not only opened my eyes to a world of culture, but also offered a feeling of confidence and independence I didn’t think I had. Australia soon became my home away from home, offering adventures I could have never dreamed and roommates that became best friends. By choosing TEAN I chose a team that was willing to make my study abroad experience unique, safe, and exciting.

Review Photos

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Sydney - University of Notre Dame Sydney Photo

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.

Overall, I felt my academic experience was exciting and engaging. I took several course that introduced ideas and aspects of my host country I would have not known had I not taken these courses.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program administration in my host country was easily accessible and always eager to help out in any situation!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living in student accommodations while abroad offered a safe and comfortable atmosphere I was familiar with. At my specific location, there were monthly calendars filled with free events on any given day.

* Food:

At my home university I am used to have a prepared meal plan. However, with my host university not offering a meal plan, I had to grocery shop and make my own meals. Which was an exciting experience that I am now doing back home!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

With the constant cultural immersions hosted by TEAN and the classes I took at University, I felt comfortable and knowledgable about the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I have never felt more comfortable living in city before! Sydney is safe, clean, and overall a great place to live. I always felt safe walking to the grocery store or the train station by myself. However, I do always suggest being cautious and aware of your surroundings.

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

From the second you arrive for The Education Abroad Network’s welcome orientation to saying goodbye to your best friends on the streets of Sydney, you will be in a constant state of “I cannot believe this is happening”. Not only does TEAN offer a variety of optional excursions, but also several cultural immersions that are sure to be unforgettable! If you’re looking for an adventure, go to Australia; and if you’re looking for a program that is dedicating to making these adventures happen, choose The Education Abroad Network.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about $150 on food and other expenses each week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? For general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants, I would really stress doing your research! Plan ahead and choose the top places you want to visit. This way you know how much you should be saving before you get there and realize you can't do everything you planned!

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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 TEAN Team
  • Cultural Immersions
  • TEAN's dedication to making sure you have an adventure
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing, TEAN is constantly improving through student feedback
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? In regards to the overall program itself, I truly believe TEAN offered everything I needed to know before studying abroad in Australia.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.