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UGA Exchange - University of Sydney : Reviews (Sydney)

The following program review responses have been selected for publication by UGA StudyAway
Program Evaluation
Beier Zhu, Spring 2016 Participant
During the orientation, I got the chance to hug koalas which was an unforgettable experience to me.

 

Min Ji Elizabeth Jang, Fall 2018 Participant
Sydney has a lot of exchange students from all over the world, so there is a lot of information provided through their website and orientation materials. The advisors both from Georgia and Sydney were really helpful in answering any questions I had.

 

Spring 2019 Participant
One suggestion is to tell students to get their phones unlocked before they go. This way they will be able to get a new sim card with a local number upon arrival.

 

Lauren Taylor Reischman, Spring 2016 Participant
Sydney feels like the safest city in the world.

 

Min Ji Elizabeth Jang, Fall 2018 Participant
USyd is 20-30 min walk from the CBD, Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge, and there are multitudes of cute cafes and places to shop around campus as well. There are also many transportation options that are conveniently located on the perimeters of the campus!

 

Lauren Taylor Reischman, Spring 2016 Participant
USyd is pretty challenging, the classes aren't blow offs

 

Beier Zhu, Spring 2016 Participant
The tutorials are very helpful for me to understand better about the learning materials. I got more chances to discuss the lecture with my peers, and I met a few excellent people and make friends with them from my management class tutorial.

 

Min Ji Elizabeth Jang, Fall 2018 Participant
Because many students come to Sydney for exchange, the professors try to help you adjust to the Australian uni curriculum and structure. I think the appropriateness of the workload definitely depends on the class that you're taking-- with some being more hectic than the other-- but with good work ethic and good time management, it should be fine.

 

Beatrice Rose Engel, Spring 2019 Participant
A very prestigious school that values academics. The classes were very difficult, however, there was plenty of extra help if you needed.

 

Min Ji Elizabeth Jang, Fall 2018 Participant
There were many opportunities to explore; there were surfing camps, trips to Uluru, breakfast with koalas, etc. I only did the breakfast with koalas, but I had friends who went on the other trips. They're definitely excursions that are unique to Australia!

 

Beatrice Rose Engel, Spring 2019 Participant
Easy to get to other countries including NZ, Indonesia and more. I recommend using student universe to purchase tickets as they have discounted rates for students.

 

Xinya Liu, Spring 2016 Participant
It is very convenient if you live on campus .

 

Min Ji Elizabeth Jang, Fall 2018 Participant
Housing is expensive in Australia, but the place I stayed at was clean and modern. It was close to Central station, so it was just a 20 minute walk to campus or a 5-10 minute ride by bus. Because it was the city, there was a lot of security, with a lot of places requiring you to have your keycard when entering the building at night.

 

Beatrice Rose Engel, Spring 2019 Participant
I lived in Queen Mary building which was very safe however not as clean as I would've liked. It is close to campus so you can walk to all of your classes.

 

Xinya Liu, Spring 2016 Participant
Very good opportunity to get meet a lot of exchange students, international students and local student!! Had great fun with those kids!!

 

Min Ji Elizabeth Jang, Fall 2018 Participant
Most of the classes I took were with a lot of exchange students, so there weren't a lot of opportunities to interact with the local Aussies that way. However, I did meet a lot of local students through different clubs and societies on campus.

 

Lauren Taylor Reischman, Spring 2016 Participant
The organization of the trip is very student driven, but Colleen was very helpful.

 

Min Ji Elizabeth Jang, Fall 2018 Participant
The advisors I had during this time (both in GA and Syd) were very helpful with any questions and issues I had.

 

Min Ji Elizabeth Jang, Fall 2018 Participant
Sydney is definitely an expensive city, but it's definitely worth it because the memories you make are priceless.

 

Min Ji Elizabeth Jang, Fall 2018 Participant
I truly loved my time at USyd because I got to meet so many new people and travel around Australia. I've made life-lasting friends in Australia who I still keep in contact with.

 

Courtney Tate McGonigle, Spring 2018 Participant
The University of Sydney exchange program exceeded my expectations in every way possible. I had the greatest time abroad, I wish it could have never ended.

 

Beier Zhu, Spring 2016 Participant
University of Sydney has a extraordinarily international environment. It has a lot of exchange students from all over the world. During this semester, I feel I become more international. My best friends are from Japan and Singapore. Also, I hang out with exchange students from Iceland, Germany, US and Italy. I hope I can visit them in the future!

 

Beier Zhu, Spring 2016 Participant
I recommend the accommodation of Urbanest on Cleveland St. It gathers a lot of exchange students and holds events frequently.

 

Briana Elizabeth Young, Fall 2017 Participant
Be brave. It's worth it. (Also pay for one of the orientation trips! It is the best time to make friends. The people I traveled with and became close with were people I met on those trips.)

 

Julia Sophia Dorsch, Fall 2018 Participant
Meet local people and dive into all cultural experiences!

 

Min Ji Elizabeth Jang, Fall 2018 Participant
I was anxious to apply at first, but I don't regret it at all. Don't be afraid to apply, and take all of the opportunities to explore and get out of your comfort zone!

Random advice: if you want a good view of the Sydney skyline, go to Milson's Point or Blues Point Reserve at night.

 

Lauren Taylor Reischman, Spring 2016 Participant
If you're looking for a very western, English speaking place that doesn't differ greatly from the US, Sydney is a great spot. And really fun.

 

Briana Elizabeth Young, Fall 2017 Participant
Every dollar, ounce of stress and moment of uncertainty was worth it. There's no price tag for the best moments of your life."

 

Julia Sophia Dorsch, Fall 2018 Participant
The exchange at Sydney University was one I'll cherish forever. If you have the slightest desire to do an exchange, then do it. Definitely the highlight of my time here at UGA.

 

Courtney Tate McGonigle, Spring 2018 Participant
This exchange program has been the best decision I've made during my whole University career. My advice to anyone considering a program through the UGA OIE - do it. I promise it will be an adventure of a lifetime and an experience you will cherish forever. Thank you OIE for giving me this amazing opportunity.

 

Beatrice Rose Engel, Spring 2019 Participant
"Arguably one of the most beautiful cities to call home for 5 months"

 

Spring 2019 Participant
Definitely worth it!! Such an amazing experience that I will never forget

 

Spring 2020 Participant
Australians are friendly, genuine, and welcoming in a way that even our southern hospitality can't match.