Australia- I Report from a Land Down Under! Past Review

By (Barnard College) - abroad from 02/27/2012 to 06/06/2012 with

The University of New South Wales: Sydney - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learnt about different cultures, how to function on my own in a foreign country and how to be even more independent- even though I've been abroad on my own before

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in UNSW international housing in Bondi Beach- incredible location, but a bit of a commute to school [about an hour total during high traffic times and 2 busses]

* Food:

Food is very expensive here! Be prepared

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living in Bondi definitely helped get me out of the American bubble that happened in the other housing situations

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health services is both helpful and easy to maneuver

* Safety:

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)

I dont eat out really at all, and I am careful about my transportation expenses but it was still hard to manage- they don't have bussing transfers and food is very expensive!

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't just spend money without planning or thinking- create a food, transport, and extras budget for yourself!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Being in classes with local students- met so many different and cool people, a few who i seriously see myself keeping in touch with!
* What could be improved?
  • More preparation for the different grading system
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Grading system intricacies so I would be less shocked when getting assignments back