A DREAM COME TRUE DOWN UNDER Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My academic experience was not like everyone else’s. My home university transfers abroad credits and factors them into our GPA whereas everyone else who was in my program and at my university in Australia was simply on a pass or fail basis. All in all, it simply meant that no one really cared about anything school related and was just planning on scraping by. Coming into this semester I had two back to back 4.0 semesters, and I was not going to live up to the “study abroad” stigma in regards to tanking your GPA for the sake of it. It was a tough first couple of weeks trying to adjust to the new university structure and classrooms, especially because the classes are so large that everyone warned me that professors did not care to know who you were. I was not going to let that happen. I made it a point to introduce myself to every professor, stay after to clarify questions I had, go to walk-in hours, and e-mail anytime I had something I was confused about. This paid off immensely. I created two lifelong bonds with professors, a professor for two of my courses gave me two A’s in her classes because she appreciated how much I truly cared about my success. The campus was aesthetically very much like my own, which made navigating much easier. The class sizes were large, but they didn't consume you if you didn’t let them. What I liked most about this university was the accessibility of resources and how much they truly cared about their students.

On-site administration of your program

Helen was my local staff member, and she was truly my mom abroad. When I had strep throat she was there to help through the fever and the doctor’s appointments. She was always available and beyond friendly. She truly made the whole experience so easy to get adjusted to. She communicated very clearly with all of us to try and resolve any problems we had, and she brought us all together by planning amazing activities throughout the semester. I was very grateful for her, and I’m sure I can speak on behalf of many students in saying that. She planned plenty of activities throughout the semester for us TEAN students, and truly cared about making our experience exceptional.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Peppers beach housing, and it was surreal. I hope that when I graduate and become a successful member of society that I am able to stay at a place like this again. The view was breathtaking day in and day out with sensational views of the shoreline and mountains in the distance. The staff was beyond accommodating down to bringing tea to the room and warm robes if we needed. It was centrally located in downtown Broadbeach with grocery stores, shops, bars, and pharmacies lining the streets. It was truly the best place to live, and I would 110% recommend it to someone studying abroad who doesn’t mind a 10-15 minute morning commute on public transportation to get to their classes. Honestly, it is so worth it. You walk down from your room and you are a minute and thirty-second walk from some of the most amazing beaches in Australia. This apartment style living was luxurious to a tee, and I felt so blessed to be able to spend my time there.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The healthcare was confusing at first, but the doctors at Bond are really easy to work with!

TEAN Study Abroad was by far the most professional, comprehensive, and caring program to choose for my study abroad experience. From the introductory e-mail to the first step off the plane, to the tearful departure back home, TEAN made me feel profoundly comfortable to leave home for four months entrusting them with a truly formative experience in my life. TEAN was exceedingly transparent and thorough with every leg of my abroad experience. They also had remarkable communication to ensure every phone call, and e-mail was returned without fail. I am incredibly grateful to have chosen TEAN for my study abroad experience because I now have a network of people who are considered family. Thank you TEAN for being the gift that keeps on giving to everyone you meet.

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

Everything is more expensive there because remember... it is a giant island.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Communication
• Ease-of-mind
• Thorough planning

• Increase weekly activities
• Plan more events to include locals
• Keep TEAN students on the same floor in Peppers so that we can mingle more

The Outright Urbanite