Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The semester we never wanted to end. Past Review

By (Arcadia University) - abroad from 01/06/2018 to 04/24/2018 with

Arcadia: Gold Coast - Bond University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grew so much as a person. I became significantly more independent and outgoing than I already was. It was so worthwhile and I wouldn't change a second of it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Bond is a tough school and I spent more time in the library then I had expected when originally choosing this school but the classes were good and I loved all my professors and there was never a time that I had to say no to something cool because of school so it all worked out perfectly. The biggest key to a STUDY abroad experience is balancing the studying and the fun abroad activities.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Gizmo was amazing and helped us with everything that we needed while in country. My luggage got lost on the way over and she was able to help me sort all of that out. She also took us on some very fun excursions and was able to tell is all the cool places within the Gold Coast and Australia that we otherwise might not have found.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing surpassed on campus housing back in the states. I would highly recommend living on campus to get the full experience. The blocks would be my choice of where to live if I got to do it all again.

* Food:

Food was way nicer than the dining hall at home but the selected menus allowed for limited options sometimes. When the menus changed and brought new options things were good though!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt that I was able to truly feel what it was like to live in Australia and was immersed into the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no issues the one time I had to go to the doctor. They were very helpful with everything I needed.

* Safety:

At no point in the Gold Coast, or any part of Australia did i even feel the slightest bit unsafe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This was everything I could ask for and more from my study abroad experience and I think anyone would be lucky to experience what I just did. Arcadia is part of the reason it was so good.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It was harder than I thought because there was so much that I wanted to do and see.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I probably ate out once or twice a week with each meal averaging $25 Aussie dollars. Going out can being expensive due to ubers, covers and expensive drinks. On a week it could cost anywhere from 50+ depending on the bars and ubers. Most times during the weeks we spent our days on the beach which comes at no cost so that is always good!
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save beforehand and budget from the start. Expect to spend a little more than you may originally think but try and stick to your budget so you don't end up with no money at the end. Take public transportation!! It may take a little longer but its a lot cheaper than uber if you have a bus card. Fly on a discount airline and don't pack a lot. They get you with baggage fees so if you can pack in a backpack do it!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people I got to meet
  • The excursions
  • The location
* What could be improved?
  • Don't encourage people to book a round trip flight if they don't want to.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much money I would end up spending and how fast it goes. Make plans early so you don't run out of time.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.