Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Semester of My Life Past Review

By (Economics., Stonehill College) - abroad from 08/22/2013 to 12/15/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was my first opportunity to spend an extended period of time outside of the States and it helped me to gain an entirely new perspective on the world. Living life for three and a half months on the other side of the world helped me to truly understand the vastness and diversity that exists outside the confines of the United States. This experience has helped to ignite a desire within myself to travel more. This desire was something not present before studying abroad.

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 classes were similar to those that a student would be taking at their home universities in terms of difficulty. Although, there is far less busy work, meaning grades are based almost entirely on a mid-term and final, which can make the time leading up to these tests more challenging. For the most part, professors are more than willing to schedule times to meet up with students when they are pushed to do so.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I did not have many interactions with the administration at Bond, but when I did need them, I found them to be helpful and accessible (switching around my schedule at the beginning of the semester). You will only really interact with the administration when you, yourself seek to.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements through TEAN are second to none. Although I chose to live in the Varsity Towers (just off-campus at Bond) there is an option to live in a beachside luxury apartment at the Meriton. Even if students chose not to live at the Meriton, there is the option to live on campus, or across the pond from campus, at the Varsity Towers. TEAN has very nice accommodations that will fit anyone's price range while abroad.

* Food:

The on-campus food was not fabulous and the price of food in Australia as a whole is very expensive. You can bargain shop while around the Gold Coast, but it may take a few weeks to settle in and figure out the where the best deals are to be found.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel as though I could have become more integrated into the local culture of the Gold Coast, but the opportunities to do so where there all semester. Bond, and TEAN, constantly offer events and deals that will allow abroad students to become more accustomed to what life in Australia entails if they are willing to do so. TEAN hosts several meet ups at local coffee shops, and even a cultural event, all of which are free to attend and grant more insight into life in Australia.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Did not need any specific vaccines for this program and had no issue meeting with the medical staff at Bond when it was necessary.

* Safety:

Never once felt unsafe throughout my entire time on the Gold Coast.

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)

Everything is more expensive in Australia and diligently sticking to a budget is a must for students who plan on making it through an entire semester without taking a job while there.

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

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Pre-semester Excursion
  • friends made while abroad.
* What could be improved?
  • Public transportation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I truly understood how expensive everything is. Money can become an issue very quickly if one is not careful.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.