Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Stepping out of the city and into the mountains... best decision I've ever made! Past Review

By (Marketing And Management, Drake University) - abroad from 02/13/2013 to 06/30/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Looking back at the 4.5 months that I was abroad, I could actually pin point the time that period that I really started to transform and grow. It was after a 10 day trip up to Cairns, I started hiking every weekend, and adapted to a healthy life style. I was more energetic, constantly going to new places and seeing new things, and growing as a person. I became very independent, and truly enjoyed the changes that happened within me. Now upon my return to the states, I really feel that I've taken everything that I learned from abroad and adapted it to my current lifestyle in some way.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Although my educational experience was a bit out of the ordinary, it was very memorable and beneficial. My professors and tutors were innovative and passionate about their subject. One of my finals was a performance! So cool!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My flat was located across the road from Central Station, which was central to EVERYTHING! I was able to get around, and go absolutely anywhere that I wanted to. Westfield shopping center, suburbs, blue mountains... check, check, check!

* Food:

I liked going to the farmers market on Saturday mornings and buying all of my produce FRESH for right around $20!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Aussie's are friendly, fun, and caring. I definitely got the opportunity to meet many great people!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

My flat had constant security surveillance. This was fantastic.

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)

Once I stopped eating out as much, and shopping at local farmers markets, I was able to save quite well.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I would have to estimate about $200 a week, with my daily coffee of course!
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It's okay to spend a little more than you would when you first arrive, but then it's important to slow down and budget after the first couple of weeks. Limit eating out to a couple of times per week, and buy produce at local markets. Its cheaper and more fresh!

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
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?
  • Activities planned by TEAN staff
  • Constant security at my apartment
  • Easy contact with TEAN staff made me feel more safe
* What could be improved?
  • TEAN is top rated for a reason, they have their stuff down! :)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in the world. I didn't know that. Took some time, but I learned how to budget. Also, it rains in the winter. I didn't enjoy this too much. Both of these things added to the experience though, so I really can't complain!

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.