Learning and Growing from an Australian Experience Past Review

By (Psychology, University of Saint Thomas) for

Arcadia: Gold Coast - Bond University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have become more independent, more sociable and have gained more knowledge on different culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The best thing you can possibly do is study abroad, it is probably the scariest thing in the beginning, but once you step outside your comfort zone and take in the world from a different perspective, your life will grow in so many extraordinary ways. The workload at Bond University is a little bit more heavy than a normal university since classes have not only a lecture time but a tutorial time where you meet with the professor a second time in smaller groups. Its great for one on one teaching! The professors are all very kind, but difficult graders so its important to attend all of your classes. The only big differences between my University at home and the University here in Australia was how they graded you. The grade you get here will be adjusted to fit in with our grading system. For instance, the grading system at Bond uses High Distinction, Distinction, Credit, and Pass for the grades, and so if you get a Credit as a grade, it will end up being a B when transferred. I highly suggest this school and area for anyone who is interested in studying abroad in Australia!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Arcadia program was great because you automatically get one free trip to take, and they offer so many other trips that you can pay for at a good price so you can get all the travelling in that you may want to do while studying. The only downfall is that there are limited spots so you may not get to do all the things with the program that you may want to, they usually draw for the spots.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Varsity Towers is an apartment complex that you can book through Arcadia for housing, it is a great place! I highly recommend it!

* Food:

The cafe food wasn't very good, but it was the most inexpensive, otherwise going out to eat adds up but the food isn't bad all, just not as fattening at american food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Cairns scuba diving and rainforest trip was amazing, i highly recommend it!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Great city and very safe, I didn't have any problems with running into people that made you feel uncomfortable, most people in this area are very warm and welcoming!

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

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Overcome your fears and cross your comfort zones, and you will find things out about yourself that you may have never known!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Foundations of Counselling

Course Department: COUN13-131
Instructor: Phillip Fourie
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was remarkable. I think this is the best class that I have ever taken through out my college years. It was very interesting and very informational, it was a lot of hands on work which I loved! I highly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in psychology or counseling!
Credit Transfer Issues: I did not have any credit transfer issues, just make sure that you have everything arranged before you leave, that is probably the most important thing. Check with your advisor at your home university to make sure that the classes you are planning on taking are going to give you credit for classes you need.