Opportunity of a Lifetime Past Review
By Samantha T (Elementary Education, University of Maryland - College Park) - abroad from 02/16/2014 to 06/27/2014 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Sydney - University of Sydney
I made so many lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories. Studying abroad was the best decision of my life. I not only explored a foreign place, but I learned a lot about myself and who I am as a person.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I would recommend taking a lighter course load if possible- you are in a foreign place and need time to explore! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Education Abroad Network does a fantastic job at making you feel comfortable and calm in your new country! They were absolutely amazing! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was located in the middle of Sydney! My apartment was directly across the street from a major train station and it was only a short walk away from my university. |
| * Food: |
The food was just like American food, but with portion control. I was also able to try new foods like kangaroo, crocodile, and emu! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was able to make friends with many Australians from my classes. They were welcoming and wanted to be friends with me just as much as I wanted to be friends with them! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any serious health issues while abroad, but I did utilize the university health center a few times. It was difficult to make appointments and the doctors were not very helpful. The pharmacy staff was more helpful than the doctors! |
| * Safety: |
Sydney, and most of Australia, I thought was very safe. Just like anywhere else though, do not travel alone and stick together with friends when you go out. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Australia was pretty expensive and I always like staying busy. If you put the two together, I was spending a lot of money on fun excursions and trips. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try not to eat out- cook yourself food instead! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how quickly five months would go by! |
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 Outright UrbaniteA 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. |
