Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experience of a lifetime, Down Under! Past Review

By (Microbiology, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 07/28/2014 to 11/22/2014 with

The University of Queensland: Brisbane - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
During my time abroad I made friends from all over the world and was able to experience a different culture than what I've always been accustomed to. Learning in an amazing and beautiful environment was entirely worth it, and I recommend anyone who is able to go to branch out and explore what Australia has to offer.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200 rent + $75-100 on food + $20-30 public transport

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Great University
  • Beautiful environment
  • Countless explorations
* What could be improved?
  • There is very little about this program that I think can be improved further.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A few things that I wish I knew beforehand would be how quickly Brisbane becomes hot and very humid, and how much more everyday items cost in Australia. I wasn't totally caught off guard by either, just didn't quite know what to expect. Air conditioning is a must in Brisbane.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'