Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wonderful people in an amazing place, learning what you love. Past Review

By (Wildlife Ecology, Washington State University - Pullman campus) - abroad from 06/09/2012 to 08/14/2012 with

The School for Field Studies / SFS: Australia – Rainforest studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was probably the most worthwhile thing I've ever done. I met wonderful people and made some amazing friends and I know I will keep in touch with them forever. I learned a lot of relevant, applicable information and skills that I have taken home with me and help me daily.

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 topics we studies were exactly what I wanted to learn, were very well taught by wonderful instructors,and were not too difficult for us to absorb during our very busy time there.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great! All the staff are helpful and attentive and on top of everything.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Good but bathrooms were a little far sometimes.

* Food:

We had a wonderful cook who was attentive to dietary restrictions and made delicious food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We spent as much time in the community as possible, but were very busy.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Good, but they cannot give us medicine and there were some times when people probably should have gone to the doctor sooner than they did, but we were so busy. Nothing serious. It's a factor of our location.

* Safety:

very safe towns nearby, staff made sure we knew how to be safe, always a staff member on duty.

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)

This rating is disregarding actual program costs. You really didn't have to purchase anything if you didn't want to, because all our food is included.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? It depended on where we were, but maybe about 30-50 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? bring as much stuff from home as you can, because everything is more expensive there. Personally, I am lactose intolerant, and had to purchase dietary supplements there that were about 10x more than at home.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 amazing staff. People who live on site with you and eat their meals with you and sacrific time they could be spending with loved one have a commitment to education and a passion for what they teach that is unsurpassed.
  • The location, field lectures, and excursions. We lived in the rainforest and went on many excursions to get to know the area.
  • The topics we learned about. Rainforest management: both the biological/ecological side and the human aspects.
* What could be improved?
  • Some small aspects of site upkeep (not the fault of the staff: it's hard int he rainforest)
  • internet accessability/stability
  • shower water heat
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How it would be cold at night and warm during the day.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.