I am less intense and anxious and I am enjoying life a lot more after study abroad Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The uni is great, I could have out more work into my academics, but that wasn't a focus of mine. You get the academic experience you want, and if it is straight up academics, you can get it at Griffith. If it is not, you can get through your classes and do all the "play" and travel you want.

On-site administration of your program

Overall, the program at Griffith is very strong. They get back to you in a timely basis and really like having study abroad students. They try to make things as easy as possible.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment that was associated to the uni through an outside company known as The Village. It housed mainly international students, but was primarily Americans. It is within walking distance of campus. The Village does a lto fo community activities and events that are great to meet people and give you something different to do then just go to Surfers Paradise. The complex has a pool and bball court as well as a TV room and computers. There is internt acess in all rooms as well as basic TV. The apartments are a good size and hold either 2 people or 5. All bedding and towels are given as a study abroad package, so bringing them is not necessary. <br /><br /> I gave it a 4 because it is close to campus, but it is fairly far from Surfers Paradise and the beach. I suggest living in Surfers if you can, though the Village was great and a lot of fun. It is totally and completely safe, as is Surfers. Great Place!

I had the flexibility to prepare and cook my own meals, so I always had what I wanted. There is no meal plan, so it's cooking for yourself or ordering/buying food. The food in Australia has no preservatives and is way more healthy then here in the US, so your body does feel these changes. As a result, I had a lot of friends (esp male) who lost weight while they were there.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not go through a program, but the Study Abroad office there did hold events and really made it easy to meet people. They also kept you up to date on any events the uni was offering, such as themed parties, intramural games, or give aways and promos from the local community.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

As a student at uni there, we were required to have international health insurance, which covered any problems you may have had. I used for on visit to the doctor, and I found it not much different from the US. The doctors there are very capable and willing to help, esp international students. Overall Surfers is very safe. I had no problems. The bars there are open until 5am. I went out there quite often during the day and at night and never say a physical fight or felt unsafe at any time.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Apartment

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• Local Students