Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Greatest Four Months of My Life Past Review

By (Bond University) - abroad from 08/27/2014 to 12/15/2014 with

WorldStrides Study Abroad in Gold Coast, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My time abroad was invaluable. I made some of the greatest friends I've ever had, seen things and gone places I'd never imagined experiencing, and learned a tremendous deal about myself. I really grew as a person while I was abroad, and I can honestly say I was the happiest in Australia that I've been in a very long time.

Review Photos

WorldStrides Study Abroad in Gold Coast, Australia Photo WorldStrides Study Abroad in Gold Coast, Australia Photo WorldStrides Study Abroad in Gold Coast, Australia Photo WorldStrides Study Abroad in Gold Coast, Australia Photo WorldStrides Study Abroad in Gold Coast, Australia Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

TEAN helped ensure that my study abroad experience was the absolute best it could be. While overseas, I compared my experience with TEAN to that of students who went through other programs, and it's safe to say I made a great choice.

* 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?

During my last week in Australia, in the middle of my final exams, I became very ill and needed to visit a hospital. I immediately called my TEAN advisor and she was beyond helpful.

* Safety:

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

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 hadn't anticipated the high cost of living in Australia ahead of time. It may have been helpful to get a job while I was there, but I think it would have detracted from my experience. I've come out of my time abroad with far less money than intended, but I do sincerely believe it was worth it.

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? Save up for emergency situations and travel!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • scheduled cultural events
  • came with a group (immediate friends)
  • staff was relatable, genuine, and readily available
* What could be improved?
  • orientation week had too much scheduled
  • more housing options offered
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Australia is EXPENSIVE! I also wish I could have planned to stay past the end of my program and travel ahead of time.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.