Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

True Beauty Past Review

By (University of New Hampshire) - abroad from 09/01/2018 to 12/16/2018 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Gold Coast - Semester on the Gold Coast

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself then I knew was possible, and that alone made this whole trip worth it for me.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Jackie Chapman was truly my second mom over in Aussie! Can't thank her enough for all that she did.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The Reserve apartments were great!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was a privilege to spend time with the locals in the Gold Coast, wonderful people.

* 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

CISabroad community from my experience has been filled with wonderful people, great attitudes, open minds, big hearts, and people ready for adventure!

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)

When I was traveling around Aussie I was spending a lot of money, but living locally does not require as much.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $6000
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Shop at Aldi's and Woolies for groceries. Going out to eat can be really fun but don't make that an everyday habit if you are on a reasonable budget. You will be spending money traveling, eating out each day while you are travelling, day and nightlife activities, transportation, etc. There are plenty of avenues that already are going to require you spending money, I would just recommend not making food a big expense as it doesn't need to be.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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 people
  • The Gold Coast
  • The extra trips offered by CISabroad
* What could be improved?
  • I'm really trying to think but nothing is coming to mind right now!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Having a car makes a big difference, it allows you to be at Burleigh Heads with your new local friends in 10 minutes, versus taking an hour to get their by bus.

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.