Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

a growing experience in ways I never expected Past Review

By (Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 07/18/2016 to 11/28/2016 with

University of South Australia: Adelaide - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
wow. too much to put into words. so much about myself and life in general. I do not regret what I did at all.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

the courses seemed rigorous due to a lack of communication and answering questions between students and professors.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I was not impressed by the lack of knowledge and understanding of the administeration at unisa.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived outside the city in housing i found on my own. one of my favourite parts of Australia.

* Food:

PHENOMONAL. miss the food everyday

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like I fit in bc I looked like the Australians. however, the culture is very based to white European individuals. I found I never really adjusted to this, but I learned to be more watchful for these flaws within myself.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

the Healy provided was great! however, unisa sent the health care card to themselves. thus, when I had tonsillitis, I had to trek through the city in an attempt to find my health card.

* Safety:

it's pretty safe as long as you know where you are and when you shouldn't go out.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I am completely in love with Adelaide, Australia. however, I was appalled by the unprofessional atmosphere UNISA created. the university was not helpful on several occasions, and I found this hindered the learning environment.

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)

the cost of living wasn't too bad. it's a little higher, but easy to get by.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? BUGET! you'll get by! also remember that this is a once in a lifetime experience. you can always work when you get home, so don't let expenses hold you back from having a good time.

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

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 city life was amazing!
* What could be improved?
  • communication and expectations for UNISA and OSU
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known more about unisa. the students and people of south Australia do not have the highest opinion of unisa. had I know this, I would have picked a different program.

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.'