Past Review
By Aaron B (Biology, General., Tufts University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Gold Coast, Australia
Yes, this experience was most definitely worthwhile. I gained more unique experiences and memories in 4 months than I would have imagined I could gain in 4 years of college.. I went rock climbing, scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, camping in the rain forest, bungy jumping, skydiving, and horseback-riding. I learned how to surf and throw a boomerang, I played with koalas and kangaroos, held a baby crocodile, and learned how to drive a 4WD vehicle on the largest sand island in the world. On top of these things, I made some great friends with both Australians and other Americans. Without a doubt, my decision to go to Bond University was the best decision I've ever made. Did I mention that for an extra $50 we added a week in Fiji to our flight plan on the way home? You know, just to unwind a little.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2008 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
AustraLearn was very accommodating and invested in our experience. I did not find any weaknesses with their service. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in my own studio apartment (kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living area) with a private balcony over a river and the building's bar 4 doors down. It was called Varsity Towers, just across the river from campus in Robina. <br /><br /> Class/the gym/food/local bars were a 5-10 minute walk |
| * Food: |
Food was not bad anywhere, but overall I prefer the food in America to the food in Australia. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Depends $200-$300 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eating meals at the dining hall saved lots of money because everything is more expensive in Australia. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It will be the best decision you've ever made.. and you will realize this within the first 36 hours. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Australian History |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Overview of Australian History 1788-present |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Australia: Dreamtime to Dust |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Steve Webb |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Australian history: Formation of the earth-1788 |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Drugs and Behaviour |
| Course Department: | Psychology |
| Instructor: | |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Overview of the different classes of psychoactive compounds and their effects |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Sport Coaching |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Glen Tunks |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Learn first hand how to coach athletes (your classmates), as well as other aspects of being a coach (i.e. nutrition, risk management, muscle physiology, energy systems etc.) |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
