University of Canberra

Program Reviews

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Helen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Changing Adventure

Making the decision to study at the University of Canberra is the best decision of my academic career. The location of the uni in Belconnen is perfect, close to the mall, the lake and park. I studied English Literature and the classes I took this semester were really interesting and offered a different approach to my home uni in England. In particular I loved the creative writing class taught by an author renowned in his field. I cannot thank the study abroad team enough for all of the effort they have put into making myself and all my international friends welcome in Australia. They went above and beyond by organising trips and activities throughout the year. The weekend trip to Sydney was amazing, seeing the Opera House and the habour with my new friends. The mid-semester trip to Cairns was honestly the best week of my life, jam-packed with crazy activities like white water rafting, horse riding, canoeing, snorkeling the great barrier reef and feeding wallabies to name but a few. The friends I've made on this exchange are amazing and I continue to talk to them everyday, from countries scattered around the world. UC is the place to be, if you chose to come and study here, I guarantee you will not regret it. It will change your life!

What would you improve about this program?
Maybe as well as having a welcome meeting and a farewell gathering for the internationals, maybe have one half way through the year where everyone comes together and can say what they have enjoyed so far and what they plan to do for the rest of the semester. That is honestly the only thing I can think of- this semester has been amazing!
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Andrew
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Worth going to Canberra

I have a few friends who have done exchange in Australia and around the world and I was the only one who got to experience the true country's culture. University of Canberra's buddy system and ambassador program help every student feel at home. The staff at UC are also always willing to help and very approachable. From fun activities to amazing opportunities UC is a must destination to consider when doing study abroad!

What would you improve about this program?
The only thing that could be improve is housing! However I know the Universityhas little control over it.
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Mandi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Experience of a LIFETIME!!! :D

The University of Canberra is such a beautiful and welcoming University! I loved how friendly everyone was!! From students to staff members; everyday I would find myself meeting someone new or exchanging smiles with someone as we walked past one another; especially the staff. The staff are such wonderful people and were so kind and willing to help me if I needed it. :)

On top of that, the Study Abroad and Exchange Program plan AMAZING, once in a lifetime, "vacation" adventures during the week off of school. I was so lucky to have experienced so many breath taking journeys scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, Kayaking in the Pacific Ocean, and Holding a Koala. The only thing I regret is not bringing an underwater camera. ;)

Then the campus is one that I have never seen before. Filled with rich green life, beautiful birds, wild Kangaroos, and just down the road is the Ginninderra Lake; that is so beautiful that words can't even describe; especially when the sunset shines across the water!

Life at the University of Canberra is one that everyone should experience because it doesn't feel like school at all. Classes are fun, teachers are nice and helpful, students are friendly, and before you know it, it becomes your second home.

What would you improve about this program?
If I could change the program, I would try and make the buddy system a little better and more organized. For instance, my buddy had studied abroad already in Florida the year before. It was cool she had already studied abroad and could use her experience to help me transition into my study abroad experience, but throughout the semester I found at least 3 other students who had, or were going to study abroad at my university (UNC), yet they weren't assigned to me; either because they were assigned to someone else who wasn't from UNC, or didn't even have a buddy. :/ Does this make sense?

Anyway, what I'm trying to say is maybe assign buddies who went/are going to the same university. :)
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Saskia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

valuable experiences

friendly and helpful people through and through - if i ever needed support, i got it almost instantly! i especially got to love the community i experienced in my accomodation AND the international group.
to sum it up: ive had a great time and im sure that everyone who will participate in this overseas exchange programme will have an equally valuable experience!

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Gareth
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

So happy I did it!

Was very hesitant to come to Australia, knowing I'd be here for a year, but as my time is coming to an end, I'm wishing I could stay longer!
The people here are amazing, between the Australians I live on res with, and the exchange students I have met, they have made this experience what it was, and that's the best year of my life.
The ambassadors have done so much to make this experience fun for the exchange students. Despite not getting paid, they always had plenty of time for us by organising trips, parties, bbqs etc.
It was amazing getting to know so many people from different cultures amongst the exchangees and Australians. It makes me just want to travel more afterwards.
Canberra is in a good position geographically as well, as it's a reasonable distance from both Sydney and Melbourne.

What would you improve about this program?
The rent is so expensive for what you get. Not only that, but if you miss a rent payment, they don't let you know about missing your payment until they email you, giving you about one week before they kick you off. The people in the office can be blunt. They say they will do inspections on a certain date and they arrive a week later and charge each housemate $60 for a failed inspection. They don't give your deposit back after your stay until you ask for it. Isn't that illegal?
These are the reasons why less and less people live on campus.
Response from University of Canberra

Hi Gareth,
Thank you for your review of our program and we are so glad to hear that you have enjoyed your experience here in Australia. Your feedback and praise for our ambassadors will be taken with full stride as we try to make the program greater each semester.

We welcome your negative feedback regarding housing. The Study Abroad and Exchange Office aims to provide students with the best experience while living in Canberra and unfortunately this is one aspect of the program which we have limited control over. As the majority of housing on campus is privately operated, the exchange office is unable to determine costs, payments and the general operation of these living options. Despite this, we continue to communicate all feedback regarding housing with each applicable residency. As seen in recent years, new and more affordable housing options are beginning to be offered on campus and this will hopefully continue as the university moves through its expansion.

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Roshani
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable!

I was lucky enough to have such an incredible experience on my exchange to UC. The staff at the Study Abroad office has made this a great experience. I've learned and grown so much through this program and I have made some of the best memories of my entire life here. Canberra is truly a city that offers a lot, but you need to be willing to go and find it. Once you do take the opportunity to explore, you'll find that you can never be bored! The academics, though to me they were challenging, I found were reasonable. Classes weren't so difficult that I didn't have enough time to enjoy myself. Through the Study Abroad office at UC I was able to transition so smoothly. The activities that were planned for exchange students gave me a chance to meet some incredible people. You get the opportunity to meet people from around the world and I can leave saying I've made friends for a lifetime. The social scene on campus is incredible and coming from New York City I was impressed. Living on campus was a good decision too because I was closer to my lecture halls and I could hangout with friends that were nearby. Everything you need is within walking distance and if you are ever lost or need help the UC staff at the exchange office is always there if you need it. This program is so well developed it's impossible to leave saying you didn't have a unforgettable time!

Response from University of Canberra

Hi Roshani,

The Study Abroad and Exchange Office are glad to hear about your wonderful experience at UC and appreciate your wonderful praises. Canberra is certainly a city which offers a lot and we enjoy hearing all of your positive feedback of the University, staff, Canberra and Australia! We pride our program on the social experience and opportunities provided to students to make the most of their experience.

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Bora
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable experience

From the applying process here in the end everything has been unforgettable. I got help in all stages and I feel that if I had something to ask I could do that easily.

Even though people complain about Canberra, I find it good place to study and also have fun. Canberra is not like Sydney but you can find heaps to do also here, if you just want to. At least my calendar has been full since the beginning! And there are lots of parties, if you are a party animal.

The exchange staff is very friendly and helpful. Other exchange students as well as Australians are nice people and like one big family here. Also teachers are nice and lenient towards us exchange students.

There are so many opportunities to explore Australia even from here: travel around and see the wildlife - even in your backyard!

What would you improve about this program?
UC's accommodation is not perfect - actually it's far from there. The apartments, especially University Village (UV) apartments are old, cold and dirty. And not just dirty like you could clean them. Lot of things are broken in apartments time to time: showers, toilets, taps, ovens… And usually it takes long time for University Village staff to do anything about it.
It's also cold in the apartments especially during the winter and beginning of the spring. It doesn't always help that you have a heater if it's working one our at the time. Luckily mine was broken and stayed on as long as I wanted it to stay.
And the housing is very expensive comparing to the level of it.
But at least university guaranteed housing for all of the students so I didn't need to worry about it.
Response from University of Canberra

Hi Bora,

Thank you for your review and sharing your experience here at the University of Canberra. It is great to hear that the people you met and university staff were friendly and welcoming. You are spot on that Canberra is the perfect platform for basing your travels in Australia with close proximity to both nature and our large urban centres.

We welcome your negative feedback regarding housing. The Study Abroad and Exchange Office aims to provide students with the best experience while living in Canberra and unfortunately this is one aspect of the program which we have limited control over. As the majority of housing on campus is privately operated, the exchange office is unable to determine costs, payments and the general operation of these living options. Despite this, we continue to communicate all feedback regarding housing with each applicable residency. As seen in recent years, new and more affordable housing options are beginning to be offered on campus and this will hopefully continue as the university moves through its expansion.

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Dina
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Absolutely Amazing!!

This exchange program is one of the best experiences I've ever had! If you ever get the chance to do it, DEFINITELY take that chance! You will not regret it. So many wonderful memories will be made here! The people are great, the UC Staff is very helpful & they work hard to provide us with everything we need as exchange students. This program will let you explore and learn so much about yourself, about Australian culture & life, and it will definitely help you grow as a person. It's a once in a lifetime experience, and think of all the great stories you'll get to take back home with you as well :)

One thing I've learned is, people complain about how Canberra is boring, however, if you know where to find the fun, you won't have enough time in your schedule for everything. I know this because that's what my experience was like. My schedule is super packed with schoolwork, fun & exciting events, trips, and PARTIES! So don't let anyone tell you that you can't have fun here! I'm from New York, one of the most exciting city's in the world, and I'm telling you right now, if Canberra is anything, it's not boring.

What would you improve about this program?
More support for this program from the University. This program is great and I think that UC needs to fund it more! It isn't cheap trying to look out for and entertain such large groups of exchange students, I definitely think that the uni could do more for the exchange office to help them out with everything that goes into this program.
Response from University of Canberra

Hi Dina,

Your review is fantastic and we greatly appreciate your feedback here in the Study Abroad and Exchange Office! Canberra is a fun, vibrant and youthful city and in no means should be compared to the likes of Sydney and Melbourne. We offer a unique Australian experience and pride ourselves on the friendliness of locals, beautiful seasonal weather, wildlife and the great annual calendar of events and festivals. Thank you for your support and we hope to make our program greater in future semesters.

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Carly
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable

Studying on exchange has profoundly changed the way I view and interact with different cultures. Australia is incredibly diverse and beautiful in both the natural and man-made landscapes. The program at UC is very good about making you feel welcome and cared for. Academically, classes vary in difficulty, but nothing is un-manageable. The short weekends and day-trips were great opportunities to explore more of the country. I've made some of my closest friends here, whom I know will remain close after we leave. Experiences like these, where you're taken completely out of your comfort zone, make it easier to be real with yourself and others. I would recommend this type of experience to anyone. But beware, you will likely catch the travel bug and crave more adventure!

What would you improve about this program?
No more UC Village. It is dirty and not worth the money to live here. Ewwie.
Response from University of Canberra

Hi Carly,

It is great to hear that you took so much away from our exchange program and learned more about yourself! Your feedback is greatly appreciated here in the exchange office and we enjoy hearing about experience.

We welcome your negative feedback regarding housing. The Study Abroad and Exchange Office aims to provide students with the best experience while living in Canberra and unfortunately this is one aspect of the program which we have limited control over. As the majority of housing on campus is privately operated, the exchange office is unable to determine costs, payments and the general operation of these living options. Despite this, we continue to communicate all feedback regarding housing with each applicable residency. As seen in recent years, new and more affordable housing options are beginning to be offered on campus and this will hopefully continue as the university moves through its expansion.

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MK
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Stydu and party hard!

UC is not a large university, but there is tons of activities provided. UC staff are really friendly and they provided all kinds of support to students. In ressies there is always something happening, partying, hanging out or watching movies.

What would you improve about this program?
Living in Canberra is really expensive and city itself is quite boring.
Response from University of Canberra

Hi MK,

The University of Canberra is a smaller University which is both growing and improving. Being small, we are able to work closer with students to provide the best experience while here on exchange. The cost of living in Australia is expensive for students and reflects the growing economy of many of its cities. To make your experience more affordable the exchange office works towards offering exciting and affordable trips, activities and options for students to take advantage of during their time with us in Canberra.