Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life Changing Experience in the Land Down Under. Past Review

By (International Events Managment, University of Salford) - abroad from 07/22/2014 to 05/31/2015 with

University of Canberra: Canberra - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It is hard to say in such a short space how amazing this year has been. It has been the best decision of my life, and has changed me in so many ways. I have loved being here (and as I write this I still have four months left). Being able to combine studying with travelling across Australia, as well as embracing the local culture. University of Canberra is also a great place to study, and the exchange team will do everything they can to help you enjoy your time here.

Review Photos

University of Canberra: Canberra - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Canberra: Canberra - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Canberra: Canberra - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Canberra: Canberra - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Canberra: Canberra - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

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.

Tutors were accommodating and helpful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Study-Abroad office have always been helpful and willing to assist with any issues. They work very hard!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I live in an apartment off campus - and I love it!

* Food:

Living off campus means I did not eat on campus often. But there are nice places to eat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I have made a number of friends outside of university and I have involved myself in the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a very good experience with Inclusion and Welfare, and when I visited the doctors it was very easy to get an appointment.

* Safety:

Very safe place to live - as proved by recent studies. I have never felt unsafe, and feel Canberra is a great place to live.

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 found it harder due to living off campus in an apartment, but if you work you can make it happen. I also had only a a few weeks notice for leaving, therefore did not have time to save up beforehand. If you save in the months before it is good to have extra money for travelling.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Approx AUD$320 (for food, household bills, travel and rent).
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a student MyWay card for bus transport. Book flights from Sydney rather than Canberra - it costs a lot more to do fly from Canberra Airport. Stay at YHA hostels and become a member to save money. Sign up to JetStar and Virgin newsletters and book flights when they have Happy Hour. If you live on campus, there are often free BBQ's and meals offered on the concourse.

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? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Flexibility with unit choices.
  • Flexibility with timetabling.
  • Accessibility of staff and study abroad team.
* What could be improved?
  • Less group work in units.
  • Less emphasis of online (personal improvement).
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it will go so fast - so enjoy each day, even the mundane studying days. It is an incredible experience, so make the most of each day.

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.