I'm so glad I decided to study abroad! It was worth every penny. Past Review

By (Geology, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/10/2012 to 11/22/2012 with

University of Sydney: Sydney - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to see the world from a different perspective. In the US we tend to just see things from our viewpoint. In Australia I met so many people from around the world and it was amazing to see things from there eyes.

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.

The classes were very easy all semester. Sadly, the finals where very very hard. I definitely wasn't expecting the level of difficulty of the finals after such an easy semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I chose to live off campus, but still very close (five minute walk). I would say this was one of the best parts of Sydney as my roommates were from all over the world.

* Food:

Nice, but expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Australia is truly a melting pot. There are just as many foreigners as Australians.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No healthcare issues

* Safety:

Sydney is a very safe city.

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)

1, Sydney is very expensive. If you don't have heaps of money, finding casual work is very easy.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200-$300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a casual job and have fun!! Forget about saving! :D

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

  • 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?
  • All of the people from around the world
  • How beautiful Sydney is
  • How I didn't have to break my back all semester long studying
* What could be improved?
  • preparing students for the EXTREMELY hard finals
  • The scheduling system as a computer does it and it is common for students to not be able to attend classes
  • Include the university gym in tuition prices
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? As I have stressed before, prepare for the finals. Also, they are not joking when they say it is costly to live here :D