Best experience I've ever had in my life. Past Review
By Cody Z (Political Science and Government., University of Iowa) - abroad from 08/25/2012 to 12/16/2012 with
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Gold Coast - Bond University
Going abroad was an absolutely unbelievable experience. Going abroad changes you. Living and experiencing another country's culture gives you a whole new outlook of your culture, and gives you different perspective of the world. I learned more about the world in one semester abroad than I have in my entire college career. I also learned a lot about myself. Jumping into a different place with no sense of familiarity is when someone's true colors come out. I was glad I was able to integrate into Australian culture, make new best friends, and have the time of my life. I am so lucky to have had such an amazing experience.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Being a senior close to graduation I was able to take a light class load and take classes that genuinely interested me, which I would totally recommend to anyone. My classes weren't exactly tough, but I still had to put plenty of effort in. On of my favorites was my Australian Sports class, where I learned not only about the Aussie sports system but I learned a ton about Australian culture. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
TEAN was always there for us for anything we needed, and they really cared about making sure our experience was unbelievable. Couldn't have asked for anything better. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
If I could give more than 5 stars, I wouldn't think twice about it. My mind was blown away at how nice our housing was. A 3 minute walk from the beach, an ocean view apartment complete with a kitchen, living area, and even laundry. |
| * Food: |
As long as there is plenty of food, I am happy. I'll eat just about anything put in front of me. I'll surely miss kebabs and fish and chips. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I found it hard to integrate into the Australian culture right away since Bond is half foreigners. But I did things like read the newspaper, watch Australian sports, and have friendly conversations at the bar with the locals. Before I knew it I began to call Broadbeach my home. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No problems but if something happened I knew exactly what I had to do and where to go. |
| * Safety: |
I felt completely safe. |
| 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) |
Around a 3. Australia is just expensive compared to the USA. I was well aware of this before even applying. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~$75-$100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I was able to spend significantly less on groceries than many other people in my program. Instead of buying food I would at home, I bought popular Australian food which was much cheaper. |
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? | Don't listen to what everyone says about Australian culture. Most of it's wrong and you'll experience it yourself. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
