Studying abroad is always a life-changing experience! I grew more than I ever imagined being out of my comfort level. It won’t all be lovely, it will be tough and all, but you won’t have any language barrier, and the culture won’t be too much of a shock. You’re already getting a new environment, you’ll have to put your mind in a new place, too. Start doing things you wouldn’t have at home.

I would take the risk. Is Buffalo the best university? I have no idea. I’m sure there’s lot of people who love Buffalo, and lots who hate it, and lots who are indifferent. There’s nothing perfect. I do know that it’s really, really cold there in the winter and be prepared for snow over your head! But that’s part of the adventure, right?

It’s up to YOU, whether this trip would be anything special, or not. And it’s up to YOU, whether or not you will regret it.

Go for it! I’ve been thinking a lot about studying abroad in Australia or England simply because it is going to be a great experience. I never think I am going to grow up until I am out on my own. I’m in a similar situation.

I’ve been through Buffalo, I’m from upstate NY in fact and Buffalo and the northeast itself really isn’t for the lighthearted. It gets really cold, and I mean below freezing cold for days on end, and even the most proud NYers will tell you that it is something they tolerate every year! 🙂 Buffalo is a very friendly city, there are quite a few universities in the area so there will always be students around.

I don’t know about the US “spiraling” out of control or whatever, every country has its strengths and its weaknesses, I quite enjoy living here and I’m sure you would too if you gave it a chance.

GO FOR IT! =) And remember, twenty years from now you will regret the things you DIDN’T do more than the things you did!

Either city, really. It’s a bit of a toss up decision. Both have good film schools. Both are international cities, and both cities are LGBT friendly with large gay scenes. Melbourne has very good public transportation. The city and suburbs are well serviced with trains, trams and buses. You wouldn’t need a car if you live in Melbourne (unless you’re in the outer suburbs but I would imagine you would live closer to the city where there are trams and the majority of internation students live). Sydney’s public transportation is okay as well. For living, I would definitely choose Melbourne over Sydney. It’s not quite as expensive to live in and it is the World’s Most Liveable City, and there is more to see and do. Melbourne is a more artistic/creative, cosmopolitan, “happening” city, whereas Sydney is a more touristy, outdoors, “high life” kind of city. It also depends on what time of the year you will be in Australia as the weather can influence people’s decisions. If it is from around October – April then I would choose Melbourne as it is hot and sunny (like Californian weather), if it is from May – September then I would choose Sydney, as although it is cool, it will be slightly warmer and sunnier than Melbourne.

I think as a 20 boy (please don’t be offended) you are still going through a lot of changes. Yes it would be a life changing experience but why America? I moved here after graduating nursing school. My permanent residency expires in 3 years and I have a lot of thinking to do (I am Canadian citizen) While Canada is cold, America is a mess. Health care in particular (which is what I do) . I recently found out the hard way. There are some very good schools in Toronto Canada as well as Vancouver British Columbia (anything out west really). But America? I think they are headed on a downward spiral. But if you do have your heart set on NY…why Buffalo? It is a bit of an armpit? From what I hear of Australia it’s beautiful, the people I’ve met remarkable and your quality of life is much higher quality than that you will find in the United States……….That said…….there is no harm in trying one semester…….but I would look into Canadian schools….in fact you Niagra Falls is close to Buffalo…when you cross the bridge into Canada from Buffalo it’s like going into another world…..good luck in whatever you decide. And I meant to add….if you are used to surfing….you won’t find any of that in Buffulo or Canada…try California at least 🙂