Past Review
By E H (International Relations and Middle Eastern Studies, Tufts University) for
Bond University: Gold Coast - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
The country is beautiful. Diving the reef was amazing. It was also interesting taking International Relations courses from the perspective of a "Middle Power". Also, I learned more about the asian politics given the geographic proximity. Other than that, the experience did not greatly impact my cultural awareness or change my academic interest/future plans.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2004 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Shared Dorm: North Tower, Single: A Block <br /><br /> Facilities are great, however if you don't get along with your roommate, don't expect resident services to help you switch rooms. They will only do so for a fee. Also, there is ALOT of theft around campus. Always lock your room and never leave your belongings unattended! And even conceal your valuables from your roommate! My friends camera, computer, traveler's check etc. were all stolen by her roommate. The roommate staged a break-in and called the cops, pretending to be the victim, but the cops eventually saw through her story and she confessed weeks later. Although the Robina police were very helpful, the University was not. Based on my own experience and those of my friends, I would definitely recommend getting a single! |
| * Food: |
Be prepared for a lot of steak. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I really recommend leaving campus and seeing the rest of the country. If you don't you may only get to see Surfer's Paradise, the inside of clubs and MacDonalds... |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I did not go to Australia with enough money. Although the exchange rate is in our favor, things can still be very expensive. Also, Australia is huge and if you want to get around on a restricted schedule you will have to fly or buy/rent a car which all gets really expensive. Also any travel packages offered at the student travel center are very expensive. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I wish I had researched the cost of travel within Australia in advance. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you are looking for an exotic experience you will not find it on campus. It involves time, effort and money to plan trips off campus. |
