Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was an unforgettable, humbling experience that I am so grateful for! Past Review

By (University of New Hampshire) - abroad from 02/13/2019 to 06/09/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It's true when they say studying abroad will change you. Beforehand I could not imagine that I would be able to confidently travel alone to a foreign place. Being uncomfortable in a new place has taught me more than I could have ever imagined. Gaining confidence definitely made my trip worthwhile.

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.

I was able to take courses that varied in subject, and it allowed me to be immersed in the different schooling system that Griffith University had compared to my home university. I still felt challenged, but remained confident in my work thanks to the resources that were readily available to me.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Education Abroad Network really created an unforgettable study abroad experience for myself. The staff was always available to me when I needed them, providing a level of comfort when being so far from home.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Griffith University Village, which ended up being a great experience. I was surrounded by other students - both Australian and other study abroad students. I also was paired with roommates that I now can call some of my closest friends.

* Food:

Being a nutrition major, food is a huge focus of mine and I was not disappointed! There was every type of food imaginable- both familiar and unfamiliar. I got to try many new things and it was one of my favorite parts of being abroad.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being at Griffith University, I was always interacting with Australians and other international students from around the world. It was a diverse and friendly atmosphere. The culture was unique and very inviting, which was refreshing to experience when in a foreign place.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I thankfully did not need to utilize any healthcare facilities during my time abroad, but it was comforting knowing that it was always accessible. TEAN assures that you are protected while abroad in any case scenario.

* Safety:

The Gold Coast was a great home away from home. Although I still made sure to travel with friends, I always felt safe.

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

Talking with other international students that went through different study abroad partners, TEAN definitely seemed to provide me with a leg up in creating an incredible experience. They were always available to me and they also organized additional events to help me get the most I could out of my time abroad.

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)

I definitely had to learn how to manage my money. I tried to save up as much as I could beforehand, knowing that it would be a costly trip. Even though I didn't feel as though I was unlimited in how I could spend my money, I didn't feel like I was held back from making the most out of my trip. It was a good learning experience overall.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about $200 each week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eating out frequently makes money go fast. If you are trying to save money, limit yourself to eating out 2-3 times a week. My friends and I learned how to be creative with packing lunches when we would go on day trips into the city or to the beach.

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
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the other students I met
  • the helpfulness of the TEAN staff
  • the orientation at the Great Barrier Reef
* What could be improved?
  • have more social events throughout the semester
  • more interaction with the locals
  • more housing options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? TEAN is always there to help, in any circumstance.

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.