Direct Enrollment at Griffith University Gold Coast is the way to go Past Review

By Kristen B (Athletic Training/Trainer., Ithaca College) for

Griffith University: Gold Coast - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

It was absolutely worthwhile. I gained a greater understanding of the world, myself, and other people. I have definitely matured and evolved into a better person as a result of being abroad.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here:	Griffith University Gold Coast
The term and year this program took place:	Summer 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Academics were very good at Griffith. The teachers were great and more than willing to help. The classes were very difficult but I learned a lot from them and was challenged every day. Class was very interesting and technology top of the line.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	I only met with her once and we didn't really discuss anything other than making sure that I got classes.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I live in the Griffith University village which is right across campus. It is very expensive but a great way to meet people and only a ten minute walk to uni. <br /><br /> Very safe, heaps of people wanting to have fun.
* Food:	No meal plans but there are cafeterias where you can eat on campus.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	The people were great, the clubs were fun and there was always something to do. Exploring and traveling Australia was the best time of my life.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$200 on food and just spending money. If you go to Griffith you don't have a meal plan so you have to buy your own food which I guess is cheaper than having a meal plan in the long run anyway.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Gas costs a lot of money and traveling through agencies and online were kind of expensive. Finding a local to show you around or doing your own thing is def the way to go. Check out hostels for secret spots and a great time.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you take classes 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?	Definitely do it. It was hands down the best decision of my life and I will never forget it.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Food Systems
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments:	Very interesting and the professor was very nice.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Yes, make sure that you get all of your classes approved before going abroad. Even if you don't think you will take a course get it approved anyway, because I had a lot of trouble getting my 1st choice classes and had to pick new ones that weren't approved.