Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Study in Australia! Away from everything and there is never a worry! Past Review

By (Accounting, Illinois State University) - abroad from 02/25/2013 to 06/30/2013 with

Griffith University: Gold Coast - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that there is more to the world than America. That you have to always keep an open mind and when you do great things will happen! I do not regret one second, one dollar, one action I made during this time abroad because it have been the best 5 months of my life. If you have the funds, studying in Australia is a must!

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.

Grading is very different here and for me there were minimal assignments. The ones I had were worth 40-50 % of my grade. Course work is very easy but the grading by the professors is harsh.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I never had any problems so I would say there are there if you need them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I live in the Griffith University Village and it is amazing. Social life is unbelievable and I have met people from all over the world, including many Americans. It is VERY overpriced and you pay for everything (internet, laundry, dishware, rent). But for location and a good time, if you study at griffith you must stay at the Village! You will not regret it

* Food:

The food here is no where close to american food. The food here is much healthier for you but the taste is just not the same. Overall, I have never had a problem with the food here and I eat it all.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

They speak english but you a lot of slang words that take a while to get used too.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Doctors are no where near as good as in America. You go to the clinic on campus and they sit there and ask you questions. If you go to Emergency room or a specialist, the procedures they do are not as well done as in america. I had an ingrown toenail and it still is a problem to this day until I get back to America

* Safety:

Very safe no worries about walking to the busy bus stops around the towns.

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)

If you plan on never leaving your room and making every meal 200$ might be possible. I would say a week I spend at least 250$. That includes going out at night, meals, laundry, school supplies, and other necessities.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? To date I have spent probably $9000 since I arrived Feb 13 and it is now May 30. That includes trips, food, everything besides rent.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There are none, unless you want to stay in your room. Everything costs money here.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* 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?
  • Social life
  • New experience
  • Great location
* What could be improved?
  • Incentives
  • Knowledge of the program before hand
  • Up to date class selections
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew some sort of budget, so I could budget weekly better. I also wish my home university knew a little bit more about coming here

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.