Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experience of a Lifetime! Past Review

By (Finance, Financial Services, Towson University) - abroad from 07/11/2015 to 11/23/2015 with

IFSA: Gold Coast & Brisbane - Griffith University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about myself, independence, responsibility, staying positive and general happiness. I t was worthwhile and something I will never forget.

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.

The resources are certainly available, it's up to you to use them though. Whenever I actually went to discuss assignments and issues with professors or used on campus resources, they were very helpful. The workload was a little less it seemed than my home university, but I was more independent. My professors didn't remind me as much of assignment deadlines and expected us to know them, but that helped with learning responsibility.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved that the program did have events for us throughout the semester, but not too many that we felt overwhelmed by them and had to do a lot of planning around them. It was nice to meet up and be able to ask any questions that we had, and know that though your family or people you were generally comfortable around weren't there, they did a good job ensuring you felt right at home.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I liked the housing because it gave you the opportunity to interact with students from all around the world, versus just people in your program. It was also very close to public transportation and campus.

* Food:

The food was very westernized so it was good. They also had many asian options which was good as well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The culture was very easily adaptable and it doesn't take long to fall in love with the relaxed atmosphere and happy lifestyle.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe, but just like any where else you go in the world, you should always be careful and watch your surroundings.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would give anything to go back and redo this experience all over again. I found so much happiness there and loved every moment.

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)

1; I definitely could have managed my money better, I would suggest creating a budget and doing your best to stick to it.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan and spend wisely.

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

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Their support
  • Their programs
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That returning would be so hard so be prepared for the withdrawal.

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.