University of Sydney International Exchange Program – Exchange Experience Evaluation 1

International Exchange Program

Exchange Experience Evaluation 1

Submission date: One month after exchange commences

This is the first of two Exchange Experience Evaluations that you are expected to complete whilst you are on exchange. Scholarship recipients MUST complete and return BOTHEvaluations.

In this Evaluation, we would like to use your first-hand experience of your host university to assist students who are thinking about applying for an exchange. Your feedback will be collated in our Exchange Resource Library and website for prospective students to use as a guide to the student experience at your host university. The information herein will not be shared with your host institution.

Think carefully about your answers. Honest responses will be appreciated although we request your discretion, as appropriate. Whilst accuracy is important, your opinions will be valued as your own personal impressions.

The last question requests that you provide us with a “Quotable Summary of your Exchange Experience”. This which may be used in University Publications, our brochure, news articles and the website to promote the International Exchange Program. You will be referenced accordingly.

Please add your name to this cover page so that we can keep track of responses. This page will be removed from the questionnaire before it is made available to other students so your anonymity will be protected.

Participation on Return to Sydney

Will you be interested in being a Buddy and Exchange Mentor for prospective inbound and outbound exchange students at any or all of the following: Orientation and O’Week events for newly arrived exchange students;Exchange Information Sessions; International Exchange Fair; Predeparture Information Sessions? Yes No

Name:

Host institution:

Date questionnaire completed:

Please return either by fax, mail or email to:International Exchange Program

Level 4, Jane Foss Russell Building G02

University of Sydney

NSW 2006, AUSTRALIA

Fax: +61 2 8627 8390

Email:

Exchange Experience Evaluation 1

Host University:

Academic Discipline/s:______

Age:______What date did you start your exchange?

Housing

Was your housing arranged before you left Australia? Yes No

If NO, how long did it take to find and secure housing?

Where are you living? Please include name (below):

a residential college______

co-op housing______

off-campus? ______

other:______

Explain briefly how you chose your accommodation:

______

______

What are the best aspects of your housing?

______

______

What are the worst aspects? What needs improving?

______

______

Arrival at Host City

How long before semester began did you arrive in your host city?

______

______

Did you stay in temporary accommodation? If so, where?

______

______

______

Financial Matters

Which bank did you select?

______

______

How did you transfer funds?

______

______

Do you have any comments or recommendations about banking matters?

______

______

Medical Insurance

Is there compulsory student medical cover on your campus? Yes No

What insurance coverage do you have?

______

______

How did you get this insurance?

______

______

What is the cost?For what period?

Living Expenses

Provide an estimate of your actual weekly cost for the following general categories (in the currency of the exchange country):- Currency:______

Rent

Food and meals not covered by board

Local transportation

Entertainment

Personal expenses (toiletries, laundry, misc.)

Academic costs (Books, computer disks, etc)

Do your actual expenses:

match your budget exceed your budget less than budget

Are there any specific costs which you feel we should alert students to in the future?

______

______

Do you have any suggestions for saving money?

______

______

Enrolment at your Exchange University

Were you assisted in selecting classes? Yes No

Were you assisted with enrolment? Yes No

Is there any advice on choosing and enrolling in classes that you feel would assist future students in their planning?

______

______

Support Services

Was there an orientation? Yes No

Did you attend? Yes No

Describe the orientation and other support services available to you as an exchange student.

______

______

Have you had contact with an International Office or another advisor at your host university?

Yes No

IF YES, Describe the assistance you received. Did you find the staff sympathetic and helpful? Provide names if appropriate.

______

______

Pre-departure Information

What information do you wish you could have had BEFORE you left Australia?

______

______

Do you have any suggestions for improving Sydney Uni's Pre-departure session?

______

______

Adjustment

What aspects of your experience so far have you found most difficult? Are there adjustments that you did not expect?

______

______

What aspects have been the most rewarding?

______

______

Quotable Summary of Exchange Experience

______

______

______

______

______

Thank you for sharing your experiences!

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11/2013