Life Changing Experience in Australia Past Review
By Amanda A (Psychology, University of New Hampshire) for
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Gold Coast - Bond University
Not having traveled much prior to studying abroad, the experience gave me the chance to meet such amazing people and see how many opportunities there are in the world outside of my home area.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Bond University and my home university were very different in terms of workload and grading. At home there were many smaller assignments throughout the semester. At Bond there were only a few assignments, however, more time consuming. Lectures at Bond provided a lot of information, sometimes overwhelming, but the tutorials were helpful to be able to comprehend the information in smaller groups. Teachers were always willing to help and were understanding when it came to missing classes for traveling reasons. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our Resident Directors were always there for support if we needed it. They were very knowledgeable about the area. If there were ever any questions they couldn't answer, they would always contact someone that could help. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
When there were group meals the program provider was always willing to accommodate the students with food allergies. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I recommend participating in any pre-semester orientation programs offered by the provider. It gave the group a chance to explore the area with a guide, as well as bond with each other. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Overall I always felt safe in the Gold Coast. I never experienced any times that I did not feel safe but we still never traveled alone. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | My decision to study abroad was life changing. The application process may seem overwhelming but it is more than worth it! |
