Aussie Student for a Semester- Aussie Heart for Life Past Review
By Laura S (Media and Professional Communication, University of Pittsburgh - Bradford) for
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Gold Coast - Bond University
I developed a love of travel and an unending desire to learn and grow. I wish to return to Australia in the near future.
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. |
The grading system in Australia is slightly different than many U.S. universities. Familiarize yourself with their grading scale and policies while abroad. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Education Abroad Network had resources and assistance available 24/7 at home and while abroad. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I opted for the beach housing at the Meriton in Broadbeach provided by The Education Abroad Network. The housing was immaculate, a block away from the beach, and in the center of shopping, restaurants, and nightlife, as well as walking distance to grocery stores and bus stops. Living at the Meriton was great because furniture and amenities were all provided. The only recommendation I have for the apartment is to bring hangers for your closet, they only provide a few. |
| * Food: |
Food was not provided in my University plan; however, Bond University provided a variety of on campus eating options. There were also many restaurants and establishments around the university and surrounding areas. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had our country orientation in Sydney. We spent 5 days touring the historical and cultural city, learning about the country and the Australian culture and customs. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Bond University has a student health office right on campus. It was very easy to schedule appointments and get the attention and treatment necessary. The Education Abroad Network includes Over Seas Health Insurance in its program fees which made my health abroad easy to maintain. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Anyone interested in getting outside of their comfort zone and experiencing a new country and culture would enjoy traveling to and studying in Australia. By no means is Australia just another U.S. on the other side of the world, but it was great going to a country that speaks your native language. It allows you to focus on getting to know the people and the area and eases some of the uneasiness of being in a foreign country. |
Comments
I attend the University of Pittsburgh main campus in Pittsburgh, not the branch campus in Bradford.
Laura21 March 12, 2011
