Australia: How can I ever leave? Past Review

By (History, Western Carolina University) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think I gained world experience. I have changed as a person and without this experience I would have never done that. Even though some of the classes were not that great overall it was the best decision I have ever made.

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.

I really like my two classes in the sport and exercise science department. But my two history courses were a joke. They were not really based on any kind of historical facts. They were philosophy classes at best. They would never be taught at my University in the states. I thought the grading was fair, but the exam methods was a little over the top. They were very strict with end of semester exams and I don't feel the added pressure is necessary on students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I did not really talk to the host country services during my time here. When I did need something though they were very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was close to campus but thats about it. It was a 10-15 min bus ride to the beach and any night life. It was very good for meeting people when I first arrived but after that it was just VERY expensive.

* Food:

I cooked for myself which is what you have to do here. There is not really a lot of on campus food here. The supermarket is about a 10 min walk which is not too bad. It is very expensive to live in Australia though so be prepared for that.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Uni nights here were a lot of fun! They also had lots of trips through the Uni that took us places around the coast. These were great to get to see the surrounding area for a cheap price.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

This Uni is very safe and they tell you all of the health cautions at orientation. The doctors office is also right around the corner so that was convenient.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about 25 dollars week on food. This was not drinking. I know most people spent at least 20 dollars on alcohol alone, I do not drink so this was not included in my budget.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There is not a lot to do so drinking is something people do almost every day and alcohol is very expensive here. If you plan on drinking make sure you have the funds to do so.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

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  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

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A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would highly recommend it! It is the chance of a life time. You may never get the chance to travel after you finish school so you might as well do it now. It will honestly open up so many new opportunities for you.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Anatomy

Course Department: LFS 122
Instructor: Carol Flavell
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was awesome. It was always interesting. It was very challenging and if you don't want to study don't take it but it is worth every minuet. I went to all of these classes and they were by far my favorite.
Credit Transfer Issues: It does not fit my major but I am using the credits to get admitted to grad school. I would definitely recommend this course.
Course Name/Rating:

Sports Psychology

Course Department: SPX 222
Instructor: Lisa Fraser
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I loved this class. I was relevant to the topic of coaching and stick to the ideas of sports psychology. The professor was always upbeat and the material was very interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

20th Century and Beyond

Course Department: HIS 232
Instructor: Marcus Bussey
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The couse was again not based on any historical facts. He used one article and stuck to those thoughts only. He thought that this guy and himself were the only two people that knew anything about history and futures studies. For our end project he actually had us try to predict the future. He asked us to choose something and relate it to the article then predict what would happen in the future. This class is not by any means a history class.
Credit Transfer Issues: I would never recommend someone take this class if they are a history major. It is simply not what history is about and it was a joke. As a history education major I would never consider teaching these things in a classroom.
Course Name/Rating:

Talking History

Course Department: HIS 230
Instructor: David Trudinger
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was not a true history class it was more like instructions on how to conduct an interview. He did make the class somewhat interesting, but I think for it to be considered a history couse some historical data would have made it better
Credit Transfer Issues: no the course is going to transfer back for my university. I would not recommend coming to this Uni as a history student though.