Unequivocally, The Greatest 4 Months of My Life Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Before I go any further, I would like to make a disclaimer: I only took one core class for my major at Bond. The rest of my classes were general electives that I saved knowing I would be going abroad. I would suggest that other students do the same, because you will want to hang out with your newfound friends as much as humanly possible. That being said, I never once felt burdened by the amount of schoolwork throughout my entire semester. If you are organized, judicious, and use your study time effectively then you will have as much time as you want to adventure, surf, hang out with friends, or relax on the beach. Upwards of 70% of Bond's student body is comprised of study abroad students so the curriculum is definitely molded for us.

On-site administration of your program

Every teacher that I had was easily accessible and extremely helpful. The administration was also very accommodating with moving finals around to fit our travel schedules- as long as you gave them ample notice. Also, I suffered an injury while I was in Australia to my hand and the disability services was tremendously accommodating, and my teachers were totally understanding. They allowed me to type the written portion of my finals.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It does not get any more beautiful then living at the Meriton in Broadbeach. An indoor and outdoor pool/hot tub and gym at your convenience, full kitchen and silverware, spacious dining room and TV area, 2 beautiful bathrooms (one with a bathtub), a full wrap around balcony overlooking the ocean with a table, comfortable beds overlooking Jupiters Casino, need I say more... And the cherry on top: The Meriton staff will clean your floors, do your dishes, and change your towels/sheets once a week! For what you pay, there is no greater deal!

Since I did not live on campus, I did not have a meal plan. However, there were 2 grocery stores within quick walking distance from my apartment, and prices were not overly expensive. I took full advantage of my kitchen and outdoor grill at the Meriton and taught myself how to cook a variety of foods while abroad.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

If you are a sociable person who is willing to accept and integrate into other cultures, you will have absolutely no problem meeting anyone at Bond or out in Broadbeach or Surfers Paradise.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

When I injured my finger, my TEAN advisor, Helen, was checking up on me every step of the way. She was tremendous! I really felt like I had my mom overseas with me. It was so easy to find the hospital (which was brand new and beautiful) and my travel abroad insurance covered everything. I did not have to get any vaccines before going abroad, and all of the health care systems were totally modernized.

I never once felt unsafe while at Bond or out with my friends.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Australia is expensive compared to America, but if you are smart about your spending than you will be fine. If you don't have a meal plan like I did, make sure you cook your own food. That will save you a TON of money over time. Drinking is expensive, so if you plan on drinking while abroad make sure you are prepared to add about $50-100 a week to your budget.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Aside from some differences in slang, our dialect is the same.

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• The Weather/Beach
• My Friends
• The Area that I Lived In

• Campus Food

The Outright Urbanite