Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fast and Furious: Laying in the sun and having fun Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., University of Puget Sound) - abroad from 07/10/2012 to 11/18/2012 with

IFSA: Gold Coast & Brisbane - Griffith University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself and became more confident as an individual. I also learned to slow down, calm down, and don't stress if something goes wrong, especially if there is nothing you can do about it. I also got to improve my cooking skills (and my patience) in general.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Got to cook my own

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

HAd 2 Aussie room mates that made me feel very welcomed and helped my adjust quickly

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No healthcare necessary

* 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)

4, I learned very quickly what and where was the cheapest and how to make my food last

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure to use the local markets, great way to find things at a cheaper price. One of the best places for fruit and veg is the stand in Habour Town. The surfer's paradise market makes for great trincket shopping if you want to send presents home for family and friends

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Great staff support in the area
* What could be improved?
  • More living choices
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Possibly inform us of other students within the same program before departing, so we can maybe communicate and figure out what to do. Also the fact that the University village does not have ovens in their apartments, don't plan on baking anything!!!

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.