I'm Moving to Australia After I Graduate Past Review

By (Environmental Studies., University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grew as a person. Now that I'm back in America, I know that I need to go back. I had planned on going straight to graduate school after undergrad, but now I'm thinking about taking a year off and moving there. I might even go to grad school there!

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 educational system is more focused on working independently. They definitely don't spoon-feed you; you have to go above and beyond.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff and support services were there 24/7. They were always there to help you in your time of need. They were very knowledgeable about the country itself (as they had travelled there multiple times) and prepared us well during orientation.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great location.

* Food:

Their food is relatively similar to what is here in America- just more expensive. Some things they don't have in Australia that they do in America (i.e graham cracker, Lucky Charms), but you get used to it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

spring break in Thailand

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Healthcare was very easy to obtain. All you had to do was fill out an application on a website our program gave us and the OSHC card was send to us via mail. The city was very safe, especially compared to Pittsburgh. It was to the point that you could probably walk around 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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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 did you like most about the program?
  • housing
  • Thailand excursion
  • orientation program
* What could be improved?
  • desks in apartments
  • closer estimates of actual cost of the program