The best five months of my life! Past Review
By Whitney W (Stonehill College) - abroad from 07/07/2014 to 11/22/2015 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Gold Coast - Griffith University
What I gained from this experience was learning more about myself than I have ever before. I think that starting new in a brand new place with brand new people is something everyone can do because they can leave behind their past and begin anew and that is so refreshing. I definitely intend to work abroad after this experience.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Though some may think Griffith is a large university from its size, it was a very welcoming and personal experience. The campus was great and faculty were more than willing to help you outside of class. A lot of teachers asked me to give examples from the United States during class discussions which was very cool. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Helen, our Resident Director, is the sweetest moment I have ever met. I still communicate with her and would think of her as a second mom. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The Mantra is the nicest housing I will probably live in during my lifetime. The place is so beautiful and so clean. You can see the ocean from every window and the beach is one block away. |
| * Food: |
I cooked my own food and I would say it was pretty good!!! |
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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? |
I was able to go to the Griffith health services no problem! |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe on the Gold Coast. |
| 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) |
I worked a part-time job while I was there which was very, very helpful. I would not have been able to do the trips I did without this additional income. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Start saving early, you will thank yourself latter for forgoing silly expenses back home when you can spend it on an international trip. |
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 that I took advantage of the city guides that previous TEAN Ambassadors create, I did not know they existed before becoming an Ambassador myself. I think they would have been very helpful to ge the most out of the city!! |
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 NetworkerAn 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. |
