Australia: Studying in Paradise Past Review

By (Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations., Griffith University) - abroad from 07/11/2012 to 11/18/2012 with

Arcadia: Queensland - Griffith University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about living on my own and taking extreme responsibility of my life. I learned time management and money management. It was definitely worthwhile. I wish I could have stayed longer.

Review Photos

Arcadia: Gold Coast - Griffith University Photo Arcadia: Gold Coast - Griffith University Photo Arcadia: Gold Coast - Griffith University Photo Arcadia: Gold Coast - Griffith University Photo Arcadia: Gold Coast - Griffith University Photo

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.

The entire structure of Australian university was different to me, but the professors made things very clear and laid out everything they needed. It was difficult coming from a university that had many different exams, quizzes, and assignments to make up my grade to a university that only uses a midterm and final, and maybe one or two assignments. However, we were given much help and many resources to complete assignments and prepare for tests. The class structure was different too, since we have tutorials and lectures only once a week. This was a positive change for me, and allowed me more time in my week to do work, or do small site-seeing activities. I was glad to have taken classes that focus on Australia, because it helped me learn more about the culture and history of my host country. I would definitely recommend doing the same.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our admin was great! She was very helpful and always available when we needed her. She even put up with all of our shenanigans. It would have been cool if she could have checked up on us more or said hello, but I understand we are adults and on our own here too.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

When I moved in, my apartment was dirty still, so I had to clean it all myself. The rooms are all bare minimum. Our stove was broken and had to be replaced, and we had to buy all of our own appliances. We did not have a proper over, but a microwave/oven. This was also inconvenient if one person wanted to bake something, and another just needed to heat something up. The spacing was very cramped, and difficult for five people to live. The shower temperature was often unreliable as well. I also found it inconvenient that wi-fi did not work in our apartment. I feel as though I did not bring many clothes, but still found myself without enough drawers and closet space.

* Food:

N/A, cooked my own food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living on campus made it difficult to integrate with local culture, because the Village is made up of basically all international students. I made friends with a few Australians, but they were not from the area. I guess living between the bush and the city enabled me to experience the nature of Australia as well as the night life, but I did not feel like it was much different from what I am used to.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was nice that we got free health care while being here, and health services was on campus, walking distance from housing. It was always very easy to make an appointment (just a phone call) and they provided multiple services, not just nursing and general physicians. I did not have much queue time waiting for appointments, either. I did not need any special vaccines coming to Australia.

* Safety:

I always felt very safe wherever I was, whether it was on campus, in housing, or even in the city. Security was available 24 hours on campus and in housing. The city felt safe because there was a cop station in the center and the clubs were very strict on who they let in.

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)

It was a little difficult because of personal expenses and I was only cooking for myself. I would suggest cooking with friends, roommates, etc. And plan for personal extra expenses far ahead of time.

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? Look into the cheapest phone options, and see what carriers your friends have so you can text/call them for free. Make sure you have a way to get money in an emergency, ie savings account, or parents

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

N/A, English-speaking country

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent

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?
  • Orientation
  • Our director
  • Free trip to Stradbroke
* What could be improved?
  • More trip options
  • More contact with advisor
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save money before leaving! Go on trips to touristy places, even if it seems expensive. Get used to taking the bus and train everywhere.

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.