Broadening my perspective in USYD July 12, 2021

By Valeria del Rosario Jara Jeri (Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú / Pontifical Catholic University of Peru / PUCP) - abroad from 03/03/2021 to 06/25/2021 with

University of Sydney: Sydney - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned that there is more to know about certain topics that I thought I had studied deeply, and this new perspectives can and are changing the world. I have learned not to be afraid to chase and go deep in the topics I'm most interested in and also, I have adquired the habit of reading more for my classes, since this was a big component on USYD.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Overall my experience at USYD has been better than I ever expected. The courses were challenging but well structured; the resources, online social activities and the student advisor team were the best; and, the teachers were very helpful and encouraging.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The university staff and the advisors provide a sense of belonginess and calmness that it's crucial to take full advantange of this experience.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	*I was a virtual exchange student.
* Food:	*I was a virtual exchange student.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	There were multiple activities besides the academic ones which made me feel closer to campus. There really is a wide variety of activities for everyone.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	*I was a virtual exchange student. Regarding mental heath, the university made available and informed us of multiple resources to adress this situation.
* Safety:	*I was a virtual exchange student.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes My semester in USYD has been wonderful as well as exciting and challenging. I had the opportunity to meet new people, practice english and broaden my academic and professional perspective.

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 was a virtual exchange student.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	*I was a virtual exchange student.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	*I was a virtual exchange student.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language? 0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language	All classes were given in english.
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	Advanced english, TOEFL 105.
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Speaking was challenging for me at first, practising this can help express yourself faster in this situations.

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	Other
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	N/A
* 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 student advisor staff The online social activities The courses structure
* What could be improved?	Activities schedule to avoid timezone issues
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I have had more time available to fully enjoy the online social activities and clubs, due to work and my academic responsabilities from my home university, it was hard to keep up wit the activities. I wish I had enjoyed it more.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Course Department:	International Business
Instructor:	Carlos Vazquez Hernandez
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The teacher was knowledgeable and well-prepared, I participated in class more often than I would have on my home institution, the resources available for this course were simply amazing. We were assesed through multiple written pieces and a business plan towards the end.
Credit Transfer Issues:	It's helpful to look at the hour-to-credit relation from your home university and use that to calculate the credit transfer units.

Course Name/Rating:	Marketing Insights
Course Department:	Marketing
Instructor:	Chunyan Dong
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The course was challenging but the teacher was always open to help us and she gaves us proper guidelines for the marketing report, which was the main assigment of this course.
Credit Transfer Issues: