Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I can't imagine having a better experience anywhere! Past Review

By (Spanish and Iberian Studies., University of Iowa) - abroad from 01/01/2013 to 04/25/2013 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Gold Coast - Bond University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The benefits of my study abroad experience are incalculable. The experience of LIVING in another country has inspired me to continue traveling all around the world. The friends I made and the adventures we took are incredibly unique and special. It is not possible to come to regret studying abroad in Australia. It is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Australian education system is quite different from American Universities.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent around $45 on food a week! The dorm living option makes it very easy to plan ahead for all food expenses.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? My advice is to set aside a chunk of your budget for the unexpected. Whether it's a spur of the moment train ride to Brisbane or a nice dinner out with friends, you will want to have some cushion to be spontaneous!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The advisors made you feel safe and looked after.
  • The Sydney orientation and the Fiji post trip perfectly introduced and wrapped up the experience with all of the friends you've made
  • The experience doesn't end when you step off the plane! The TEAN connection is forever
* What could be improved?
  • It is helpful to know the details of living options before making a pick!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known to ask more detailed questions of those who had gone on my same trip. My advice is to ask about everything; trips, packing, outfits, campus, food and 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 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.