Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience I will take with me Past Review

By (University of Kentucky) - abroad from 08/28/2017 to 12/17/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I know how to adapt, how different but beautiful other countries were, I grew to appreciate the native aboriginees of Australia, and gained an international perspective of the world. It was absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were wonderful, campus had many academic resources that are not available at my home university, and the classes were smaller, allowing quick connections with professors.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration were wonderful and worked closely with you to make sure you're have the most fulfilling experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived on campus in the dorms and they were exceptional and allowed me to meet other students living on campus.

* Food:

I had a meal plan on campus, and the food was great, but a little pricey if I didn't have a meal plan.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt the university and TEAN provided me with opportunities to immerse myself in the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I luckily did not have any health concerns while I was abroad, but my friends through TEAN who did, had little problems seeking medical care.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe, ever, and that's not something I can say about living in the US. It's still smart to travel with a friend, and don't be alone walking around at night, but even when I didn't do those things I never felt unsafe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

TEAN provided me with experiences I wanted, so they planned out those aspects, and experiences I didn't know I wanted, which was pleasantly surprising. Their orientation program was a nice buffer from immersing ourselves in a new culture and traveling abroad for the first time in my life.

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)

It was an expensive trip, but worth it. I budgeted more than other students, only spending money on needs and trips that I truly cared about. The cost of living in the city was similar, with the conversion rate. But as you study abroad, you realize you spend more money in general that you would if you were at your home country, because there is more experiences you want to partake in.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Log your spendings somewhere so you're aware of the amount of money you're spending instead of just swiping your credit card everywhere you go.

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?
  • friendly staff, always willing to help
  • an email providing what to do that month on the Gold Coast
  • Orientation Scuba Diving
* What could be improved?
  • smaller group at Bond University so we can really bond
  • weekly hangouts
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you want to be surrounded my local people, you should request housing that way, other way it's very easy to be surrounded by only Americans and continue only hanging out with them and allowing yourself to not be immersed in local culture.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.