Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

SFS Australia: An Adventure Past Review

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The School for Field Studies / SFS: Australia – Rainforest studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great! Had a few great professors. Long hours in class, though.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Did a great job at supporting you while you were there, always felt like there was someone you could talk to about anything that was bothering you.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived in a cabin, with six other girls, in the middle of a rainforest. Cabin was pretty rustic, had to walk a little ways to the bathrooms/showers. No real nightlife, though we did get the opportunity to go to the pub every Saturday night, though if you don't drink (like me) there weren't any alternate options.

* Food:

I'm a picky eater, there weren't many options

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Would have liked more time out in town. Got to go to markets every month, and Cairns for a weekend every month.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Very safe, did a great job about briefing us on the dangers and how to avoid them.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Definitely for those who are very flexible and able to deal with a variety of conditions. Not for those who NEED technology (we spent 2 1/2 months of 3 months without internet). You're outdoors all the time, and get to see lots of neat flora and fauna. The research project in the last month was the best part academically. The people you go with become your family.