Dentistry Study Abroad Programs in Australia

Grew up on food stamps, never thought I'd actually leave the U.S. and see someone else's world. It was amazing! Loved my classes and internship, especially Race, Diversity and Difference, hearing first hand accounts from those that have experienced racism, colorism, systemic issues was interesting, I've only learned of those problems from someone that can't experience it and they speak on it from a historical pov. Housing was fine, it was my first time living with people that wasn't family. The biggest issue is the fact that washing and drying costs $5 dollars each! I started hand washing as I'd rather that money go towards food. Expensive country but I wouldn't trade it for the world. But the apartment is buggin out for making us pay to wash our clothes, rent per week is crazy high. The program itself, was amazing, the activities were fun and any staff I interacted with were extremely helpful. Especially Andrea, any questions would be answered, she'd even ask questions to see how we were doing, I went to Byron Bay because of her. I think of Byron Bay everyday. I preferred to be alone, but I do wish I had asked to hang out with people from classes, not upset about not doing it but wishing I had. Hang out with people, get on the train and explore a new area, walk the beaches until the sun sets. Make memories, try new foods, be open to new things. Going abroad was a trial to see if I wanted to do more, might go to Italy Japan in the future. I do know that I want to do my masters, but now I'm unsure of where to go, Sweden or back to Sydney? I'll figure it when the time comes. Thank you AIFSAbroad.

I loved my time in Sydney Australia. The city was awesome and full of things to do. The atmosphere was safe and friendly. I made a lot of great friends from all over the world that I still keep in contact with. The academics are challenging but also very rewarding. I would highly recommend to anyone.

Before I arrived in Australia, we had pre-departure meetings that explained everything to us in detail & got us (in my opinion) pretty prepared for what to expect. We were greeted pretty much upon arrival in Sydney and now that my exchange has ended I truly could not have had a better time. I met the most amazing people and friends, my AIFS advisor Andrea was the best ever (we called her our Aussie mum), we always felt taken care of. AIFS had field trips planned also so we could see some iconic tourist spots and we went together with our program which made it more fun too. Our living was nice in a safe building with lots of security and super close to campus but also near the light rail which made public transport so easy. I could not have had a better experience and I’d do it again 100x over if I could

Before coming to Sydney, AIFS had meetings with us so we’d know just what to expect which definitely made us all feel better. Once we got here we met eachother & our advisor and from then on it was nothing short of the best experience. The trips we all took together & friendships we’ve made I couldn’t have asked for more

I really liked attending JCU in Townsville because I got the chance to further my studies of marine biology, which is my major at my home university. Not only was it the only school that offered the exact same Invertebrate Biology class that my home university required, but they also had a ton of other options to choose from. I love animal physiology, so I also enrolled in Aquatic Animal Ecophysiology, which was so interesting. I also loved being able to go out and explore Australia (i.e. Magnetic Island, Paluma Rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, etc.) and make connections with the material I was learning in class.

I had an absolutely amazing time studying abroad at JCU in Townsville. The school is world renowned for its Marine Science and Environmental Science departments. It is an extremely great place to study abroad if you are a science major, with tons of hands-on experiences, research opportunities, and seasoned professors. My only caution is that humanities majors may have a harder time finding courses that are applicable to their degrees back home. I am an English major, but also on the pre-med track. I took almost all science classes at James Cook because the Australian University system/James Cook does humanities very differently than in the United States. Otherwise, my time with IFSA and at JCU was one of the bet experiences of my life. I truly did meet life-long friends and have once in a lifetime experiences. The campus is somewhat rural and the culture is very outdoorsy. There are a lot of outdoor adventures in North Queensland. I lived on campus in an apartment with two Australians and was very quickly immersed into their friend group and culture. There is a big sports culture on campus as well, though it is not super competitive, more for fun. For example, I tried playing rugby for the first time in Australia and played for my dormitory team. I loved this experience and was encouraged to do so by my roommates. The friendships are what will stick with me forever. The IFSA program makes your journey easier and far less stressful. I am so grateful to have gone through the IFSA program because they truly do support you before going abroad, while on site, and even after. The staff is extremely kind and welcoming and knowledgeable. I know my experience would not have been as enriching without the IFSA program.

I was initially very nervous about studying abroad as a STEM major. I wasn't sure how my credits would transfer or how hands-on my experience abroad was going to be. I had no idea how much studying abroad would end up affecting my academic life, but I soon found out that I received so many benefits to stepping out of my comfort zone and just doing it. I study Marine Biology, so naturally Australia was the perfect location for me. The classes I ended up taking were all STEM, and three of them were related in some way to marine biology. I had brilliant professors who taught me so much while I was abroad. I also had no short supply of field work. Three of my classes involved spending time out in the field, whether to collect plankton samples or to identify animals in the Australian Outback. I had an amazing time learning abroad, and I picked up so many skills that I believe are critical to a STEM major. Despite the rigor of four STEM classes, though, I still had plenty of time to explore and travel where I wanted to. In addition to academics, I was able to experience so much revolving around marine biology while abroad. I got to volunteer with a graduate student to help catch and tag stingrays. I was able to go to the Great Barrier Reef and see firsthand the amazing life that it holds. It never ceased to amaze me how much Australia inspired me to pursue a career in marine biology, even though I had already dedicated my academic career to that. Somehow after my time abroad, I knew more than ever that I was doing the right thing with my life.

I really can't say enough good things about studying abroad with IFSA in Australia. From the first day of orientation, everything was very well organized. Through IFSA, we had several cultural excursions throughout the semester, both in Sydney during orientation and in Queensland during the semester. I remained friends with the students I met at orientation after arriving at James Cook University, and our local liaison with IFSA was always helpful, approachable, and easy to reach. I had an amazing experience in Australia. After returning to the U.S., I worked for IFSA as a global ambassador at my home college to encourage others to study abroad. And when I left my IFSA sweatshirt at an airport, they sent me another one gratis from Australia!