Semester in Newcastle

Well, I'm still here after 10 months

Submitted by Abigail Little - United States Valparaiso University | December 28, 2017

I have lived over a dozen roofs in my lifetime, but I have found my favourite home here in Newy. I arrived in Australia to study in Newcastle in February 2018. I am currently on holidays from Dec-Feb when I will begin my third semester at The University of Newcastle. I could ramble for ages regarding my love for Newy and what this program has given me, but I will try to briefly outline the experience for you:

Academics:
Uni is structured differently here - but don't let that intimidate you! The set up is far more independent and relaxed, although I must admit that the curriculum is more challenging in comparison to my university in America. You will have a lecture once a week and a lab or tutorial for the same course within the week as well. (I have added a screen shot of my upcoming timetable so you can see the structure!)

Living Situation:
From February until the beginning of December, I lived on college (on campus) at uni. At home, I have always commuted so I didn't really know what I was in for, but I was not disappointed! The "dorms" were more like apartments and they were just put up in 2015 so everything was new! I have since moved off campus nearby to uni and love this lifestyle as well! It allows more freedom and it is easier to navigate to some places, but overall I've loved both experiences.

Cultural Immersion:
I will preface this by saying that although they do speak English, YOU WILL RUN IN TO MORE LANGUAGE BARRIERS THAN YOU ANTICIPATE! In fact, I still find myself coming across them. Overall though, the Aussie culture is super easy to acclimate to!

Program Administration:
I have become great friends with my on-site coordinator in Newcastle and have always felt comfortable reaching out to her or any CISabroad staff when I've needed assistance!

Social Life:
Newcastle is a wonderful place to be social! I suffered a great deal of social anxiety in America, which was one of my main concerns when entering this program. Thankfully, I no longer have fear of social events. In fact, I look forward to them!

Loved my time

Submitted by Eric - Athens Ohio University | October 10, 2017

Newcastle was an incredible experience. I lived in one of the dorm towers on campus with 5 Australian students. This was a great way to immediately immerse myself in the Aussie culture and make friends. CIS set up everything really well and I never felt like I couldn't go to someone for help when I needed it. I wish there had been a few more structured events/trips, but I was able to make time to still do everything I wanted during my stay.

Semester in Newcastle

Submitted by stephimp - Hofstra University | July 14, 2015

I had the best time of my life at University of Newcastle. Accommodation was brand new and great and I lived with Australians which really helped me immerse myself. Social life was a blast, and staying on campus and having parties were the highlight of my semester as opposed to going out.

Study at the University of Newcastle in Australia

Submitted by avb - Shirley United States Baruch College | July 08, 2015

My study at the University of Newcastle was the best time of my life. The atmosphere, social life, accomodation situation, academics and Australia itself exceeded beyond any expectations I had. I loved it so much I plan o studying there again next February!

Oi! The Application Process

Submitted by Missjosephine16 - Walker, Mn United States St. Cloud State University | July 08, 2015

There is no doubt that I had a great time. But, the application process was more than just applying, it was very stressful. The communication between CIS and me was lost and difficult to keep on top of.

Incredible

Submitted by hmf92 - Robbinsville United States Richard Stockton College of New Jersey | January 22, 2015

My semester in Newcastle was amazing. Newcastle has a lot to offer with its beautiful beaches and entertaining night life. Everyone was very welcoming and making friends was easy. The campus was also very nice. The school work was very straight forward and not different from what I was used to in America.

newcastle Australia

Submitted by moskowit - cherry hill nj United States Richard stockton college of nj | January 16, 2015

it may not be as well know but I believed it was one of the best unis for international students having the opportunity to live with Australia's and really become part of the culture. And being a 10 min drive from the beach isn't bad either

Best Semester Ever

Submitted by Jasmine C. - Los Angeles California State, Los Angeles | January 14, 2015

I attended the Fall Semester in Australia not really knowing what to expect, but it turned out to be one of the best choices I could have made. I lived on campus with 4 Aussie housemates (Ted's Selfies house is the best!) and they were all so nice and accommodating, introducing me to all of their friends and telling me where different places were. I made livelong friends, not only in Australia, but from all over the world. Some of the classes were challenging, but they were also interesting, with a more laid back environment than in the states. The Uni was also always hosting events that students could go to. I can't wait until the day that I get to go back to Australia once again.

life changing

Submitted by Hayley - Baton Rouge | July 18, 2014

I always knew I wanted to study abroad in Australia, I just never thought I had it in me to do so. Newcastle and their people were amazing and welcoming. I made life long friendships and memories, become a better culturally competent person, and it shaped me into the person I am today
Jason, my CIS coordinator in Australia, made me feel so comfortable and there are not any amount of "thank yous" I could give him. I always say that studying abroad should be a key requirement because you learn so much about yourself that you simply cannot describe in words...you have to feel it for yourself.

Australia Mate

Submitted by jenna reece - Suffolk University | December 15, 2013

I loved University of Newcastle. It was the best. I met people I will know I will forever cherish. I can't wait to go back next semester!

Academics:
I studied at the university of newcastle, it's challenging but they offer so many different options of classes it's a great school i'll be back there again soon

Living Situation:
i hated the living situation but I'm moving off campus next semester...

Cultural Immersion:
I love Australia.

Program Administration:
My international advisor, Jason, who was located on campus was very helpful.

Health and Safety:
I feel very safe here, never felt uncomfortable.

Social Life:
I love it. I made great friends. We go out at night, and if it's hot enough we go to the beach.

CISabroad STRAYA

Submitted by Rachael Swanson - Youngstown State University | December 10, 2013

Through my CISabroad experience I met people that changed my life forever. The program enabled me to individually cater my social and academic life to get the most out of my stay in Australia and make some unforgettable memories.

Living Situation:
It was nice to live with as many people as I did, but the "college" experience was more for incoming freshmen than a study abroad student.

Cultural Immersion:
Living on campus only exposed you to students usually ranging from 18-19 years old.

Program Administration:
Jessica Stzeimberg specifically was extremely helpful during the beginning stages of the paperwork and my study abroad experience.

Social Life:
I had classes on both Callaghan and the City Campus so I was able to make friends easily.

Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!

Submitted by Megan Searls - Suffolk University | June 26, 2013

I absolutely loved my abroad experience! I was in Newcastle University and it was outstanding. I lived on campus with many locals and became extremely close with them. The people are so friendly and down to earth, It was an experience I will never forget. "It was heaps good!"

Academics:
The teaching is different here, much more independent. I wish I knew that in advance to manage my time better.

Living Situation:
Couldn't of asked for anything better!

Cultural Immersion:
Got fully immersed in the aussie culture!

Program Administration:
Really amazing on the way to australia, showed us around and settled us in! I just wish they provided transportation at the end of our abroad experience.

Health and Safety:
Very safe.

Social Life:
Amazing.

UoN Review

Submitted by Lillyan Nguyen - University of Massachusetts Amherst | April 07, 2013

This Uni and college life is the best ever! You will only understand if you go through with it!

Living Situation:
I loved the colleges!

Program Administration:
I felt like I wasn't really prepared for anything. Some of it was my fault for doing a lot of this on my part last minute, but i was not given any helpful tips about going to a new place.

Jason Sommers was awesome though!

Health and Safety:
Unfortunate burglar and gun incident

cis abroad brought me the best experiences

Submitted by sasha ortha - Suffolk University | December 22, 2012

living a semester abroad helped me in so many ways. Mainly it gave me the opportunity to interact with so many different cultures from every continent in the world.
This experience is priceless and i will reocmmend it to everyone

Australia: Where the People are Friendly and the Sun is More Likely to Give you a Sunburn.

Submitted by Lila Farino - Suffolk University | December 20, 2012

I had an amazing experience in Australia. I was abroad for my Fall 2012 semester, so I left mid-July and returned about the end of November. I studied at the University of Newcastle, in Newcastle, NSW (about 2 hrs train ride north of Sydney). While the courses were pretty intensive and the assignments required a decent amount of dedication, the social benefits definitely made up for it. Living on campus you get to experience all kinds of events, from wine tastings, to formal dinners and dances, to just casual dress up parties and socialising with your friends (who you will come to love and eventually cry about leaving), it was fantastic. I made such close friends and definitely got a good sampling of Australian culture. During this study abroad, I also had a few breaks where I travelled to New Zealand and to Cairns (in the north- I snorkelled at the Great Barrier Reef). I have nothing else to say except to visit if you get a chance to, wear sunscreen, and Kangaroos!

Academics:
The courses at this university are difficult, but I felt I learned a lot. The grading system is a bit different than in the U.S. so that's something to adjust to. I would say this uni expects a high level of work from its students.

Living Situation:
I lived on campus in one of the dorms (which they call colleges), Evatt House. It was seriously one of the best aspects of my study abroad experience because it allowed me to meet heaps of wonderful people and to get involved in a variety of different activities, from sporting events to social events.

Cultural Immersion:
Living on campus afforded me the chance to live with and interact with native Australians and that is definitely important for cultural immersion.

Program Administration:
Overall helpful in planning/organising my study abroad experience.

Health and Safety:
There were a few break ins in the dorms near mine, but overall it's okay I suppose. There are security guards, but I guess the nearby area isn't the best and there will always be those teenagers who get into mischief and steal stuff.

Social Life:
Loved it! Evatt House is an amazing place and I recommend that all students should be placed here! Great sense of community and it's so easy to meet people and get involved.

Happy

Submitted by MacKenzie Sherman - Wheelock College | December 14, 2012

I'm extremely happy with my experience abroad. You have to make it the best you can.

Academics:
The lecture classes weren't for me. Going to a small school back home was a smart choice.

Living Situation:
I loved the apartment style housing, as well as how the colleges were set up. It was a community that did events together and got to know one another throughout the semester.

Cultural Immersion:
I lived at International House which meant there were Australians, but also people from around the world. I loved being immersed in not only the Australian culture, but the cultures of others I met too.

Program Administration:
My international advisor in Australia was awesome. If it weren't for him, we would've been so lost. As for the program itself, after applying, we didn't hear from them at all.

Health and Safety:
There was never a point where I didn't feel safe.

Social Life:
The events on and off campus were a lot of fun.

It was okay

Submitted by Samantha Scapoli - Keene State College | December 09, 2012

It wasn't easy! Especially not having your own transportation!

Living Situation:
One roomate threw up constantly on toilet seat!

Australia

Submitted by Hayley Adamuska - Wheelock College | December 05, 2012

Australia is the place to be. Plain and simple. I wouldn't have chosen anywhere else other than Newcastle. It gives you the Aussie experience that I was looking for.

Academics:
It was hard to transition to the Australian education system so I didn't excel like I normally would back at home. The professors were not even close to being as helpful or nice as Wheelock.

Living Situation:
Loved my living situation. Wouldn't ask for a better one.

Cultural Immersion:
Newcastle is a great place to be to be fully immersed in the Australian culture.

Program Administration:
I felt there was no structure at all prior going to Australia. It's people's lives you have in your hands...

Health and Safety:
Newcastle is great during the day...but the sketchies come out during the night.

Social Life:
Again, if I wasn't at Newcastle, I honestly don't think that I would have had such an amazing experience. I've made life long friendships.

Semester Abroad

Submitted by Jessica Collin - Keene State College | July 02, 2012

I studied abroad at the University of Newcastle in Callaghan, NSW. I lived on campus in a building of 20 (all aussies but me) that was part of a cluster of building called Evatt House. It was the most amazing experience of my life, I already can't wait to go back and visit my new life long friends. My courses at Uni were challenging for sure but never overwhelming. I found the way they held courses to be much more relaxed than in the states which personally I enjoyed. I even got a chance to take a course on the Indigenous Aboriginals that lived on the land before it became the country it is today.

Amazing Semester Abroad

Submitted by Brette Guilmette - Keene State College | June 25, 2012

I can honestly say that this semester has been the most amazing experience of my life thus far. I have learned so many things and met so many amazing people. These are experiences I will remember for the rest of my life. I encourage anybody who has an opportunity to study abroad to do it, I promise you will not regret it. The only thing that wasn't so great was having to leave at the end of the semester!

Academics:
The classes were a lot bigger than at my home institution so adjusting was a little difficult.

Living Situation:
I absolutely loved living on campus, it helped me make a lot of friends and I really enjoyed my time there.

Cultural Immersion:
I got to do so many things while being over there, everything I wanted to do and more.

Social Life:
I loved all the people I met and they really helped me socialize and bring me to places all over the city.

Life changing

Submitted by Brittany Wilson - keene state | June 24, 2012

I cant say anything more then this experience changed my life for the better in every way possible. I am so proud of the person I have become and the things I have accomplished through this experience.

Academics:
harder

Social Life:
incredible

Amazing Time in Australia

Submitted by Hannah Smith - Wheelock College | June 19, 2012

I had a wonderful time in Australia, but it was not because of any extra help received from the CIS community. This was good because it forced me to go out and make my stay what I wanted it to be.

Health and Safety:
Only heard anything about security/their job during the last weeks of exams.

Social Life:
Lots of drinking on campus---not exactly my cup of tea.