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Australearn: Gold Coast - Bond University
Program Information
As Australia ’s first private, not-for-profit University, Bond is ideally suited for students of all interest. Created in the tradition of the world’s leading academic institutions, Bond has a strong component of international students who hail from some 80 countries worldwide. Bond's small size, international... More
| Provider: | GlobaLinks Learning Abroad |
| Location(s): | Gold Coast, Australia |
| Year Founded: | 1989 |
| Website | Take me there! |
Review By:
Kara D. (Mass Communications, Towson University) on June 17, 2011
Overall Rating
Personal Information
| * Start Date: | 2011-01-03 |
| * End Date: | 2011-04-21 |
| 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. |
The system was completely different than what I was used to, which made it a little harder. Although the system was different, it was efficient and a good way to learn. The material was extremely difficult and much more effort had to be put in to receive high grades than in my 4 year University. I certainly felt like I got my money's worth of an education attending Bond University. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
When we first got there, the program leaders were there by our side to help out with whatever we may need. They had planned a lot of really great activities for us to do within the first week, which helped us meet a lot of people and get better acclimated. |
| * Housing: |
Housing was a tough call because it's hard to decide where you want to live without knowing the area or walking through the place. It's best to go off of reviews and by making phone calls to learn about each area and what it has to offer. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Bond hosted an event where you could sign up for clubs, although the clubs were limited. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe. Obviously, still take precautionary measures no matter where you go and always walk in a group. |
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* Home Institution Advising:
How well did Towson University prepare and support you for your time abroad? |
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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
| * If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? | Yes |
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Bond University is a small school where it is easy to meet people and have an enjoyable time. The Gold Coast is very relaxed and everyone is laid back, so if you have that same mentality, you'll fit right in. If you don't then it's even more of a reason to go in order to get you out of your comfort zone and learn and experience things you normally would not do. |
| * What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? | I came back from my Study Abroad trip a new a better person. It was the best and most wonderful opportunity someone our age could have. It opened my eyes to so many different types of people, cultures and values. Study Abroad gives you a new perspective on life and a new way of seeing things. |