My Second Home Past Review
By A student (Marketing., Quinnipiac University) - abroad from 08/23/2012 to 12/16/2012 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Gold Coast - Bond University
Going into this experience I never could have imagined how much I would end up gaining from it. I assumed I would see amazing sights, meet great people and try new things. I never realized though that in a quick four months I would find a new home, make friends that feel like family and do things I never thought I could do. Studying abroad in Australia was the best decision of my life. Not only did I have amazing experiences but it made me step back and reevaluate my life. I am not longer afraid to try new things. I want to see the world, I want to explore and now I have the confidence that I can and will complete the dream.
Review Photos
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. |
The classes were interesting and challenging. The teachers were mostly available at any time for extra help and always did the best they could to help further explain assignments if need be. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
No matter what issue or question I had, the on-site administration was always there at any time of the day to help me with my needs. It was such a reassuring feeling knowing that I had almost a guardian-like figure who was there to make sure we were safe and satisfied with our experience. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I could not imagine a better living arrangement than what I received. I lived in the Meriton apartments on Broadbeach and it exceeded all of my expectations. Not only were the rooms spacious, hightech and beyond anything that anyone my age deserves to live in for four months, but the staff was always helpful and there when we needed anything. It was an amazing experience being able to live with 25 of your closest friends and it is one of the things I miss the most. |
| * Food: |
I had to cook most of my food and I lack culinary skills so my meals were limited to frozen pizza and scrambled eggs. The food I got to experience at restaurants was amazing though. Two of my favorites are kebabs and tim tams. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
TEAN gave me opportunities to see the Australian first hand. The rugby game was hands down my favorite experience that TEAN presented us with. It was amazing to see all of the fans dressed up in lavish costumes all supporting different countries. It was unlike anything else I have ever experienced. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't experience any extreme health issues luckily while abroad. My friends that got really sick though were attended to and had their sicknesses addressed right away and didn't have any problems. |
| * Safety: |
I have never loved cities and often feel unsafe in them. I never once though felt unsafe in Broadbeach. I felt completely safe walking around by myself and walking around at night. |
| 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) |
spent around 100 a week |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100-150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | plan big trips ahead of time so you know how much money you have leftover to spend leisurely |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | Enjoy each moment because the time is going to fly by before you know it. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
