Un-forgetably amazing, studying Early Childhood Education abroad Past Review

By (Presbyterian College) - abroad from 02/13/2012 to 06/08/2012 with

University of the Sunshine Coast: Queensland - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained cultural exposure, friendships, education, and memories and it was more than worthwhile

Review Photos

University of the Sunshine Coast: Queensland - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of the Sunshine Coast: Queensland - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of the Sunshine Coast: Queensland - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The content of the courses was easier than I had expected however the grading was more rigorous than I had expected.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was much nicer than what I experience at my home university.

* Food:

The food was very similar to that of America, however, there were no meal plans offered, so I had to buy more groceries and cook more than I am used to.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Australians are very friendly and welcoming.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health Issues are taken care of easily and quickly.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in the area I lived in, however, the crime on the news was similar to that of America.

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)

2.5. Australia has a very high cost of living.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100 AU per week or more
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save before you leave and maintain a budget for travel and for food/personal expenses

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

English is Spoken

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Learn the lingo from English speaking countries.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 experiences
  • The different views of other countries
  • The travelling
* What could be improved?
  • The courses be evaluated more in depth by Presbyterian College
  • The preparation of finances before departure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know the expense of living in another country and finding transportation. Also not to pack as much as I did. And to be prepared for different learning and teaching styles