Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying Abroad in Paradise! Past Review

By (Information Systems Audit and Control, Bentley University) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 04/20/2013 with

Bond University: Gold Coast - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned all about the Australian culture. I also learned how to be independent and gained confidence in being able to move across the world and finding a support network. I feel as though now I will be less timid about making new friends and connections whenever entering into a new social experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

When I had difficulty scheduling classes when I arrived at Bond University, I had difficulty finding the right person who could help me.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I had a meal plan on campus. The food was very expensive and the individuals who worked in the cafeteria were not friendly or accommodating to dietary needs.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A: I did not have any experience with health care.

* Safety:

Australia was very safe. The campus has plenty of security to help students feel safe at all times.

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)

Australia is very expensive. Students should be warned before they go abroad.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Have a plan. Estimate how much money you will spend while you are abroad and spread out costs over the semester. Always have a backup plan in case you need more money and allow for flexibility.

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 trips and sight seeing
* What could be improved?
  • Less Americans being accepted to the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had done more research on Australia. This was my biggest msitake. I knew the country was expensive, but I did not realize how expensive it was. I also which I knew how many Americans were accepted into this program. Most of them came as friends and I did not know anyone when I arrived. However, I felt as though it was hard to get away and meet people from other nationalities.

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.