Australia : Reviews (Wollongong)

My favorite part was meeting people from all over the world. It really opened my mind to the world around me and has made me a better person.

My favorite part of this program was definitely meeting so many new people from all over the world. I also loved the location of the University of Wollongong and easy public transportation throughout Australia!

My favorite part of this program was being able to travel throughout the semester and experience different parts of the world that I may have never had the chance to see otherwise. It was an incredible opportunity to explore new cultures, make lasting memories, and learn beyond the classroom in a truly unforgettable way.

I loved meeting great new friends, and exploring the beautiful campus/New South Wales as a whole.

The most rewarding element of my study abroad experience was the personal growth that I experienced. I learned so much about myself as a person and was able to grow to become more independent and willing to try new things. I feel like I have a much more global perspective, especially meeting so many other international students who helped educate me on cultures outside just Australia.

The most rewarding elements of the program were the opportunities for personal growth and cultural immersion. Being able to step outside of my comfort zone, meet people from around the world, and adapt to new environments taught me valuable life skills that I will carry with me long after the program ends. I also found it incredibly fulfilling to balance academic responsibilities with the freedom to travel and explore, which made my learning experience both meaningful and memorable.

I enjoyed meeting a wide variety of people - UoW's main campus has a lot of great social events and amenities that makes making friends easy, and gives you plenty to do.

Familiarize yourself with the new school system, it was quite the shock to me for how different grading and assignments are. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and meet new people.

I learned that opening a bank account in the host country is helpful, especially in avoiding fees that you may encounter if a card has foreign transaction fees. I also learned that there are many affordable travel experiences, especially if you meet people to go on trips with and can split costs. Furthermore, I also advise to not be afraid to reach out to teaching staff, as they do want to help you succeed academically.

The grading system in Australia is very different than at KU. This was probably one of the most surprising aspects. Being in a new place is so fun for many reasons, however, I definitely had to learn how to balance travel and sightseeing with academics!

One of the most helpful things I learned on this program is the importance of staying open-minded and adaptable. Things won’t always go as planned when you’re in a new environment, but being flexible and willing to embrace change makes the experience much more enjoyable. I also learned how to manage my time effectively while balancing schoolwork and travel, which is a skill future students will definitely benefit from. Most importantly, I discovered that stepping out of your comfort zone leads to the most meaningful growth.

Learn to study! UoW puts most of the learning responsibility on you as a student, and their grading system is strict. You'll have to spend significant time at the library, and likely won't be able to breeze through classes.