Beautiful city to visit, but it is difficult to stay in for an extended period. Past Review

By (Business Finance, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 07/29/2013 to 11/23/0013 with

University of Sydney: Sydney - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to appreciate the resources that I have back at my home institution much more than I previously had.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were difficult, not because of the material but because of the professors' indirect methods of teaching.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I am still waiting on my scholarship money (has been a little over a month now) but everyone has been very kind.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Nice but expensive

* Food:

The Asian food was good, not much else.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since most students commuted to campus it was difficult to develop relations with the locals

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to get a vaccination for a trip that I took after study abroad and everyone was very nice and accommodative.

* Safety:

Not too much crime, the uni is in a good location as far as socioeconomics go.

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

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)

Very expensive (3rd most expensive city in the world)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not try to cook yourself unless you are alright with having several days of leftovers. There isn't much of a cost saving benefit if any to cook in the apartments since the cost of produce is much higher.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The location
  • Get to go to Australia
  • Able to make interesting friends
* What could be improved?
  • Cost
  • Teaching
  • Preparation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I would have known how hard the grading was over in Australia before I went. I expected a challenge, but it seemed as if the professors would rarely give any partial credit even on difficult problems.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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!