Australia: the best time I've had in my life! Past Review

By (Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication., Illinois State University) for

Griffith University: Gold Coast - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I've realized I've learned more about myself rather than in school. However, I feel like I've learned more than I've ever had.

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Griffith University Village does a great job of organizing social events. Usually 3-4 a week, whether it be cooking classes, poker nights, parties, or taco nights... there's always something to do.

* 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? I usually spent about 60 per week, but I was on a major budget
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would spend less on food, ect. so you can travel more throughout the country

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

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  • Americans
  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you were to choose Australia you would want to be a student looking for less school and more social time. You would also want to be very outgoing. I noticed the people who didn't enjoy this program were the ones who were more kept to themselves and shy.