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. :)
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.