Australia had always been at the top of my list for destinations to visit and the summer before graduating from college seemed to be a prime opportunity to travel across the world to fulfill my traveling goals. Two close friends had recommended UNSW Summer School to me. They had nothing but praise and encouragement to offer. I was informed that the programs offered by UNSW were an excellent way to travel around numerous destinations in Australia, while completing coursework. Clare, Tom, Nick and STA Travel were all extremely helpful, friendly, and accommodating with the entire process from application through the duration of the program.
The staff and professors did an outstanding job of presenting informative and interesting material. They were able to integrate the curriculum very well with the destination regions and the level of relevance in which they strived for in every lesson was a refreshing change from lectures at my home university. The small class sizes, comprising students from around the world, were able to facilitate a high level of participation, which made for a unique and diversified learning environment
I would absolutely recommend UNSW Summer School. Every student in the program was very friendly and optimistic about traveling, experiencing new things, and meeting new people. I can genuinely say that many new friendships were formed and that I will personally be keeping in touch with many of my Summer School classmates for years to come.
I was fortunate enough to be the recipient of the STA Travel Scholarship, which was a huge award that covered my entire airfare expenses.
As an avid surfer and diver, I had personal expectations to surf various spots around the country, as well as dive the Great Barrier Reef. During my free time, I was able to surf three different locations around the country: Bells Beach, various Sydney spots, and Snapper Rocks. The Great Barrier Reef was absolutely the best diving I have ever done and it was quite simple to arrange a 2-day trip that allowed me to do six dives.
