A Semester of Self Reflection! Past Review
By Jasmine J (Communication and Media Studies, University of Hartford) - abroad from 09/03/2015 to 12/20/2015 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Gold Coast - Bond University
It is hard to sum up in words the experience that I had abroad. I have realized that there is a feeling of change, the knowledge of self progress, and the urge to continue traveling within myself. Simply stated my experience abroad gave me the opportunity to learn more about myself, my capabilities, and how to trust my own decisions. Going abroad was worth it and I wish I could do it all over again with more time and more money!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academic program at Bond University was challenging but very rewarding. The faculty was supportive and available upon request but much responsibility is placed amongst the student to create and submit work of great thought and quality. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was housed in the Student Accommodation Center on campus, sometimes referred to as the "AC". In the AC I lived in a standard double that had a private bathroom and a balcony (only on the third floor). The individuals that work in Student Housing and the mailroom are so nice, and are willing to work with you through any concerns you may have. |
| * Food: |
The main dining hall closes early and there was not many late night options around. Everything in Australia closes early so I would suggest to any student to buy snacks and store them in their room. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The people are very friendly but the local culture is very similar to American culture in some ways. By remaining open, non judgmental, and curious you will have no problem integrating and adjusting to the people and culture of Australia. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The Gold Coast is a major tourist destination, so there is a lot of security and police presence at the main bus stations and nightlife areas. I would advise future students to always travel with a partner whether going local or to other places in Australia, but there is no need to be nervous when traveling by yourself if you remain aware of your surroundings. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 120 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | For future study abroad students, some general money saving tips I would suggest it to maintain a budget, and have a plan! Make sure you know how much money you have available to spend. Just like your home country, your host country has many places to visit and explore BUT (depending on your finances) it is impossible to see it all, unfortunately. Plan out the major trips to places that are on the top of your bucket list and pay for them first and experiences such as jet skiing, sky diving, and other extreme adventures like such that can be done in a number of places...save them for last if you have money available in your budget. My tip would be "if you can't do it or see it in person anywhere else in the world, do it first" |
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? | I wish that I knew of the other programs that worked with Bond University so that I could explore my options more and compare. The TEAN program had amazing individuals that worked with them and extended offers to students to contact them whenever needed. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Screen Production I |
| Course Department: | Film & Television |
| Instructor: | Darren Fisher |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | I am so glad that I had the opportunity to take this course! The Film & Television Department at Bond University is very professional and has all of the resources a student may need to complete any projects on campus. The professor, as well as other faculty in the department, are all current or past professionals in the field of Film and Television. They have an abundance of knowledge and are always available through appointments. To my surprise, this course required the most hands on participation, than any other course I have taken in my four years at university. Throughout the course there are a series of lectures where you learn about a particular area in the field and tutorials where you work as a team and complete an exercise. You are assessed through participation, preparedness, and the completion of all assigned projects. |
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