An experience to the coast of somewhere beautiful Past Review

By (Graphic Communications Management, University of Wisconsin - Stout) - abroad from 07/08/2012 to 11/18/2012 with

University of Wollongong: Wollongong - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
1) To research the university and to consider it in terms of academic options and not just pick a city based on location alone. 2) To be open minded to new things and new experiences 3) Meeting as many people as possible. 4) Don't be afraid to travel with people you've only know for a month or so (was one of the best experiences I had) The whole experience was worthwhile. There were ups and downs but it made the experience much more valuable.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Had mold in the air conditioners, which they refused to acknowledge and many people were sick frequently. Loud at night with drunk students and security didn't quiet them.

* Food:

Minimal options. No place to cook besides microwave or outdoor grill.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Because we were required to have so many health insurances it was confusing to know which one we were to use when we got there. Also, had to figure out claim filing on my own. Would have been nice to know that prior.

* Safety:

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)

I knew how to manage my money for transportation, snacks, and travel.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Start saving early because you'll want to travel and do adventurous things while there. After paying so much to get there you won't want money to cripple you.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 friendships I made
  • on-site coordinator who planned group activities for us and was genuinely interested in what we were experiencing
* What could be improved?
  • Housing & Food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Just how expensive things can get--had to wait until the end of my trip before knowing my home university tuition bill, so I was hesitant to travel at first. Wish I would have had a bit more saved and traveled from the start instead of all at the end.