Australia: The Land of Dreams and Deadly Animals Past Review

By (Communication, University of Hartford) for

IFSA: Gold Coast & Brisbane - Griffith University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was unbelievably worthwhile. I now understand so much more about the world than I could have every comprehended before. I plan to go back to Australia to live because of the feeling that the country and its people gave me while I was there.

Review Photos

IFSA-Butler: Gold Coast - Griffith University Photo IFSA-Butler: Gold Coast - Griffith University Photo IFSA-Butler: Gold Coast - Griffith University Photo IFSA-Butler: Gold Coast - Griffith University Photo IFSA-Butler: Gold Coast - Griffith University Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was very limited. I only had to write about 2 papers for each class and had 3 tests between my 4 classes. The grading was a little difficult because they go by the British system. 85-100 is a High Distinction, 75-84 is a Distinction, 65-74 is a Credit, 50-64 is a Pass and anything below a 50 is a fail. Although I was confident in getting at least a 75 in my classes, I found that it was actually very difficult to get grades like this. It was a little frustrating to be doing the same caliber of work, but getting lower grades.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IFSA-Butler is so helpful and welcoming. I would honestly do it again in a second. There was a program advisor to help us whenever we were in need and she really took care of us as if we were her children.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My program has purchased a quilt and sheets for me so I would be well equipped when I arrived. I lived with one boy from Florida and 3 other girls. Two were Australian and one from the UK. I absolutely loved the lifestyle.

* Food:

You generally had to make your own food. There was a convenience store on the residential side of campus and a food court on the academic. But, for the most part, I made all of my own things.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I went to the races which is a very cultural experience. I also attended an Australian Football League game which was very interesting. I suggest that you try and experience as much culture as you can. Go to the rainforest, go sea kayaking, learn how to surf!!!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I had the flu, a sinus infection, and conjunctivitis all while I was abroad. My program leader was very helpful with getting me to and from the doctor's office and the pharmacy. My health was very important and it was all very accessible.

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 spend about $1000-$1500 a month while I was abroad. Food was expensive and I found that I went out a lot. Be prepared for anything!
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plane tickets, and accommodations!

Language

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
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Welcoming and knowledgable
  • Fun environment
  • Great staff
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Have fun, don't be scared of change, and step outside your comfort zone. This program is for people who like to go to the beach and have a good time. It is a laid back environment that honestly embodies the words "no worries."

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Foundation Studies

Course Department: 1001HSL
Instructor: Young-Sook Lee
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very introductory course to Hotel, Sport, and Leisure Management. Light coursework. I enjoyed my class.
Credit Transfer Issues: I had no problem transferring credits, but they were not equivalent to any courses at UH.
Course Name/Rating:

Information Systems for Service Industries

Course Department: 1220HSL
Instructor: Popi Sortiriadou
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Learned about how to make a website in detail and how to market your business. I really enjoyed the class and the coursework was light.
Credit Transfer Issues: I had no problem transferring credits, but they were not equivalent to any courses at UH.
Course Name/Rating:

New Communication Technology

Course Department: 1501HUM
Instructor: Stephen Stockwell
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was a very broad subject that was sometimes hard to keep up with. The expectations were a little hazy at times and you found yourself all over the map, trying to absorb and learn everything.
Credit Transfer Issues: No, I had no issues.
Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Research

Course Department: 1002HSL
Instructor: Anna Kwek
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was a very introductory course that delves into Qualitative and Quantitative research methods. Coursework was manageable.
Credit Transfer Issues: I had no problem transferring credits, but they were not equivalent to any courses at UH.