Amazing experience of a lifetime that I will remember forever and never regret! Past Review

By (Zoology/Animal Biology., University of Wisconsin - Platteville) - abroad from 02/19/2014 to 07/05/2014 with

University of Newcastle: Newcastle - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Very worthwhile. I learned about cross cultural relationships and that there are people like me (same interests) all around the world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved the overall experience! I found the schooling hard to adjust to however.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Australians are wonderfully friendly and welcoming people

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great location!! A bit old and a little different than what I was used to in the US, but still very satisfactory.

* Food:

We cooked a lot for ourselves, but I really liked the food I had when eating out--especially the unique stuff like kangaroo. Once again, different than home, but not in a bad way.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The only thing i would change is living with more Australian students to gain even more experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Lovely city, but alcohol is very popular. So as a woman I would not recommend going anywhere alone after dark

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? $30-$50 AUD on average, excluding trips out of the city
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy too much alcohol and try to go grocery shopping with a friend or roommate to share the bill and groceries

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

  • Americans
* 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?
  • the location
  • the activities/excursions
  • the people
* What could be improved?
  • cost
  • living arangements
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Americans are spoiled in a lot of ways, such as kitchen and bathroom size, however other cultures value international travel much more, so their experiences are much greater, giving them a broader understanding of people.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!