Perth was Perfect Past Review

By (Biology And Psychology, Tufts University) for

University of Western Australia: Perth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
As cliche as it is, my abroad experience was a wonderful time that I wouldn't change for a second. I gained independence, a set of differing viewpoints, and a better worldview. It also helped me think about my future as I involved myself in activities that might enlighten my career paths and graduate school choices.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Spring 2008

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All classes were well taught, primarily through powerpoint. The classes I took were primarily basic, intro level classes into areas of interest, so I was in very large, lecture-based classes and wasn't able to get more in-depth into specific issues that I was interested. Despite this, I was still impressed by the classes I took and I am sure that if I had taken more specific course I wouldn't have had this problem.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were pretty helpful. My situation was different as most as the area coordinator had to be replaced mid-semester and never really got filled in our time there, but despite this we still received emails updating us on the program, where encouraged to email or call if we had any problems, and still had the program organized activities as promised. The program was very knowledgeable and experienced with the program and university.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a residential college (Currie Hall). It was predominantly Australians we lived up and down the West Coast, but far enough from the school that commuting wasn't an option. This was a great experience as I got to interact with many Australians, whereas as at other Australian universities in areas of more densely populated areas, this is not the case. Other international students were also living in this residential hall so it gave a nice balance. Internet access and full meals were available through this living arrangement. It made everything very easy, which just simplifies things when studying abroad. <br /><br /> The proximity of housing can't be beat as it is literally 30 ft from the campus. It had a tennis court, quad, basketball courts, tv rooms. Right on the public transportation line as well so you had access to anywhere you choose. Food is not the greatest but other university related housing options didn't seem to be much of an improvement.

* Food:

It was not the greatest. I feel for those with dietary restrictions it could have been very difficult. They did always have peanut butter and nutella available for sandwhiches in addition to having two "hot dishes" available for each meal.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There are tons of activities and sightseeing available in Perth. The beaches are absolutely unbelievable. There are numerous museums and exhibits available, along with zoos, wildlife parks, aquariums, and Kings Park, which is a magnificent park in the middle of Perth. Multi-day trips both up the West Coast towards the Pinnacles and Monkey Mia, and trips south to Margeret River, both Wine Country and a rock-climbing, hiking, and abseling heaven, are well worth it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Perth or around campus. I had to see the dentist while there and he did an excellent job. Again, it is a very westernized society when it comes to Healthcare and you need not worry about inadequate health care systems

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $70
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Everything is more expensive in Australia. I was unfortunate to go at the one time in history that the US dollar was equal to that of the Australian, compared to the usual 70 US cents to the Australian dollar. Because of this, food is more expensive if you choose to eat out, museums and zoos are slightly more expensive than you would in the US.

Language

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Again, looking at the course offerings would be important. Also, the types of activities available in the city, so as someone interested in marine life and wildlife Perth was a wonderful choice.