Livin' The Dream Past Review
By Maria D (Publc Relations, University of Tampa) - abroad from 01/04/2016 to 04/30/2016 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Gold Coast - Bond University
I learned so much about myself. I became more independent and self sufficient. I'm able to travel confidently but myself and interact with new people with out an issue.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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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? |
Although I lived on campus and not a lot of people did, it was the greatest decision. I was able to save money on housing and use it in order to travel. It was convenient to class and the school cafeteria. |
| * Food: |
Nothing will ever beat Mom's homemade pasta but the different cuisines you can try in Australia definitely come close. I was able to try things like Camel, emu, and kangaroo. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never didn't feel safe. I always had a friend with me but we always felt safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Everyday I become more upset that I didn't extend my trip. My time with TEAN in Australia were the greatest 16 weeks of my life. The program was always there whenever I had questions about school, a trip, or anything else for that matter. One of the best parts of the program was the Australian orientation. We were able to spend a week full of culture, food, and walking in Sydney with an actual Australian tour guide. We got acclimated with our surroundings and our new friends. Another great plus of TEAN is that they offer a post trip (I think to ease you back into real life) to Fiji. Let me tell you, it was the most relaxing week of my life. 12/10 would recommend. |
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? | $350 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Stay in hostels when traveling and eat cheap food. Spend your money on experiences like bungee jumping |
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 I knew more about the location of Gold Coast. Since I go to school in Florida and there are lots of similarities, I wish I was aware of that. However, it made for a great home base for constant travel. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
