Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Adventure I'll Never Forget Past Review

By (Photography, University of Iowa) - abroad from 02/09/2015 to 06/26/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have gained so much from studying abroad. The Education Abroad Network program gave me the opportunity to go on the greatest adventure with amazing people I met along the way. It has changed my outlook on life and shown me what's important. It was one of the best experiences I've ever had and I couldn't be happier with my experience and program.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were similar to those back home with about the same amount of work. There were plenty of resources to help including the library, study groups on campus and the professors were always welcoming if you needed help.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Education Abroad Network program was amazing throughout my time abroad. There were meet ups frequently with students to discuss how everything was going. They were knowledgable about the area and what activities and trips to do. If there were any problems there was always someone to talk to.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my living arrangements in Wollongong. I lived on Campus East in a dorm style building. The great thing about this campus was that it didn't just include international students. There were a lot of local students along with international students. We were also close to the beach, downtown, and uni.

* Food:

The food was delicious! There was always a variety and it was very affordable.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with the local culture due to all of the activities we participated in. During my first week, we explored the downtown area and discovered new foods and met plenty of Australians that were all very helpful.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt safe while I was abroad. Everything was very lit up, people walk together in groups, and we had phone numbers of administrators, police, and other services in case something were to happen.

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)

It was very easy to live on a student's budget while abroad. The Education Abroad Network program was amazing and provided a majority of what I needed. Food was affordable and everything else we participated in was a minimal cost.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $90
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? While traveling to other places I ate a lot of pb&j sandwiches.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Opportunities
  • Meeting people
  • Support
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing. The Education Abroad Network program had everything I wanted and more. They provided so many opportunities throughout the semester that helped me accomplish the activities I wanted to do.

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.