IFSA University of New South Wales Partnership

Three of the biggest aspects I wanted to achieve on my study abroad experience were: a stress-free time, immersion, and credits that would transfer to my home university. Studying aborad at UNSW, through IFSA-Butler, could not have been more perfect for all of these goals and more. Australia's laid back nature was perfect, and being right next to so much nature (beaches, mountains, etc.) made it almost impossible to be stressed. UNSW also has so many classes available that you are almost guaranteed to find courses to transfer back for credit. The only aspect of my goal that you might have to work towards is immersion. UNSW is a big international school so it is easy to not branch out and meet locals, but Sydney is so big and there are so many opportunists if you work for it!

Studying abroad through IFSA-Butler was absolutely great. The program was very helpful in making sure everything was in order for us, which not all programs do. I think the best part was the study abroad orientation, where I was able to meet a ton of people. In addition, they set up a bunch of cool activities for us like going to the Blue Mountains. During the semester, they made an effort to keep in touch and took us to the Opera House and did a country life weekend with a host family as well. I would highly recommend.

I took 2 biology major courses, and 2 elective credits. They were Microbiology, Immunology, World Religions and Popular Performance in Culture, Music, and Dance. They equated to 16 credit hours. My favorite experience abroad was my trip to Thailand. It's a close call though because I had so many amazing experiences. Some friends and I went there for the break, and we stayed for 13 days. We visited 3 different cities and really became closer, and more immersed in Thai culture. So my best experience was probably my ability to go to so many different countries and experience their cultures. I've never had an experience like that before! Australia was amazing though, and this small review cannot do the program/country any justice, but I think my favorite part was how everything seemed like a completely new experience whether it was flipping on the light switch, driving a car, meeting new people, etc. Sydney and its residents have def became my favorite city/spot on the planet. The food was amazing, and the students at UNSW were so welcoming to me! I made a great group of close friends both Americans, Australians and other students from across the globe. Also I would budget my time and money, and while people think it's stressful-- its honestly allows you to get the most out of the experience. IFSA is amazing; great support for you while you are abroad, and they seem to take care of everything for you, so its minimal stress allowing you to focus on fully immersing yourself in the new culture!