Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Education Abroad Network and the Best Experience of My Life Past Review

By (University of Rhode Island) - abroad from 01/02/2018 to 04/26/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
While abroad, I grew as an individual and was able to discover so much about myself that I never knew. Being in a different country forced me to break myself out of my shell and try new things. Me, a once quiet and shy girl, never would have imagined making so many friends and doing crazy activities like jumping out of an airplane. Going abroad also helped me to appreciate other cultures other than my own by immersing myself in the Australian culture. By being surrounded by a different culture than that in which I grew up in, I was able to have a different perspective on how I had been living my life and make changes for the better. Going abroad also gave me a love fro traveling, for which I have fully embraced and continue to travel even after returning home from my semester abroad. Overall, my study abroad experience changed my life for the better and I would do it all over again a million times if I could.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

While I was abroad I was hospitalized due to a cyst rupturing on my ovary. The healthcare professionals were swift and helpful and made the entire process as painless as possible.

* Safety:

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

The four months I spent abroad were the best four months of my life. From making an Australian best friend to sky diving, I did so many amazing things and made so many memories that will last me a life time. This was all possible thanks to The Education Abroad Network, that set me up to have the most amazing and life changing experience. The staff was excellent and always friendly. They were knowledgable and ready to answer any questions that I had. I enjoyed the staff so much I still keep in contact with a few of the staff members over Facebook and Snapchat. They made the very stressful process as painless as possible, from applying for the program, to booking the flights and the time spent in my host country, such as the amazing orientation in Cairns. They hosted events in the host cities to help us get accommodated with the culture and lifestyle. Overall, I have nothing bad to say about TEAN and would recommend them to any student choosing to go abroad and are looking for a worthwhile and easy going study abroad experience!

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Before arriving in your host country, separate your money into different categories which will make it easy to budget. Put money into separate groups for food, living expenses, traveling and spending money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • The Friendly and helpful staff
  • The memorable orientation
  • The easy application process
* What could be improved?
  • Longer orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Before going abroad I wish I had known a little bit more about the money I would need in my host country. It would have made budgeting more easy and everything a little more smoother.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.