Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Time of my life!! Past Review

By (California Lutheran University) - abroad from 07/12/2016 to 11/20/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad definitely taught me more independence and some useful travel skills. I also loved getting to experience a different culture and learn how to better appreciate it.

Review Photos

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved the Australian school system. Granted, the classes were a little bit longer, but you only had them one a week. Material wise, they were about the same as the U.S.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

TEAN was absolutely AMAZING! They helped every step of the way and made sure you were comfortable with being in a different country for 4 months. They were always checking in to make sure we were doing alright and we even had coffee dates with our advisors to catch up in person.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the off-campus housing which was breathtaking. We were in a 5 star hotel that was less than a 5 minute walk from the beach. It was also in a great location. There was a grocery store next door and plenty of restaurants around to choose from.

* Food:

The food was very similar to American food, so it wasn't too hard to adjust there.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

TEAN was great in setting up an orientation up in Cairns before our semester officially started. I thought that was a great introduction to the Australian culture because we got to visit a sanctuary where we got to witness aboriginal customs.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I only had to visit the healthcare center once thankfully. The nurses and doctor were really nice and helpful.

* Safety:

Overall, Gold Coast was a fairly safe city. The only real concern is crossing the road while walking around. Otherwise, even walking around at night, I felt safe.

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

TEAN was absolutely amazing from start to finish. They put in that extra effort to make sure you were well taken care of. They had resident directors in each city so there was someone there in person to communicate with.

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)

Luckily Australia had some decent budget airlines so traveling wasn't too expensive. Groceries were definitely more than I expected, around $30-40/week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? <$100 AUD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget airlines and Airbnb really helped but down on travel expenses.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* 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?
  • Personability
  • Attention to detail
  • Genuine interest in getting to know you
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing! This program was absolutely amazing!!!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? TEAN did a great job of sending you plenty of information beforehand, which made me feel well prepared before leaving.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!