Semester in Newcastle - University of Newcastle

My study abroad experience was more than I could have ever hoped for. It really challenged me and taught me to be independent, while allowing me to see so much of Australia and form so many lifelong friendships. CIS Abroad made everything so easy and stress free. The pre-planned excursions gave me something to look forward too and allowed me to truly experience Australia without all the stress of planning every single thing I wanted to do. I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the CIS Abroad staff and for the program as a whole for facilitating so many incredible friendships and memories. Newcastle itself was a dream and being only a short train ride from Sydney, I was never bored. Now i'm just trying to figure out how I can get myself back there!

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!

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.