Living in the Land Down Under Past Review

By (Marketing., Bentley University) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 12/16/2012 with

Bond University: Gold Coast - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grew up a lot and learned how to survive on my own. I went to Australia not knowing anyone, not even Bentley students, and was able to make a lot of new friends that I will definitely keep in touch with for the rest of my life!

Review Photos

Bond University: Gold Coast - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Bond University: Gold Coast - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Bond University: Gold Coast - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Bond University: Gold Coast - Direct Enrollment & Exchange 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 classes were not as difficult compared to some courses at Bentley, and the work load was much lighter.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I never really utilized the administration

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The building I was put in was separate from the other study abroad students and we singles. Although it gave us an opportunity to meet Australian students, I would have preferred to have a roommate and not be in the Health and Wellness building.

* Food:

The food at the cafeteria was extremely average and expensive!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I love Australia!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The healthcare was not open on weekends and I had to pay $5 to see a Doctor on top of scheduling an appointment, which was inconvenient considering I needed immediate attention.

* Safety:

Never felt unsafe while on campus.

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)

The Gold Coast area is very expensive and I spent a lot more money than expected.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200+
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't blow your money out in the club at night. there are plenty of drink specials that allow you to not spend too much money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* 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?
  • Location/ Weather
  • People
  • Places to Visit
* What could be improved?
  • Expense
  • Living Arrangement
  • Have Arranged Trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't spend a lot of money right off the bat. There are plenty of things that come up later that are more worth the money.

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.