Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

GDAY MATE! Past Review

By (Sports Communications, Lasell College) - abroad from 08/29/2013 to 12/15/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad has taught me that If I can travel across the world and live in a foreign country, I can do anything. I became more independent and learned how to manage money and plan out my own trips. It has also taught me to step out my comfort zone and immerse myself in a different culture.

Review Photos

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

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

On campus housing was great! I defiantly exceeded my standards. Not only did I have a good sized room, but It included access to a great gym, pool, hot tub and 3 full length basketball courts.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

TEAN did a great job exposing me to the Australian culture. I loved having a week of orientation in Sydney! Myself and fellow study abroad students toured Bondi Beach, The Sydney Opera House and even went on the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb. It was a great way to get to know my fellow study abroad classmates.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Research all the things you want to spend your money on. Cook dinners with friends. Shop at local supermarkets instead of eating out constantly. Making friends with locals means free car rides to places. Planning road trips with friends may be sometimes cheaper then booking tickets with travel agencies.

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

  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The awesome people I met.
  • Orientation week.
* What could be improved?
  • .
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take full advantage of my time in the Gold Coast. Also I wish I saved up some more the summer before studying abroad.

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.