Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Gold Coast is the best place for adventure! Past Review

By (Business Administration, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo) - abroad from 07/05/2012 to 12/02/2012 with

ISA Study Abroad in Gold Coast, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained many new friends, challenged myself in academic and social aspects, and traveled to places I've always dreamed of! It was definitely worthwhile and is a worthwhile investment you will be talking about for the rest of your life.

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.

I enjoyed the lecture/tutorial system that Griffith used. I had 4 classes but never felt overwhelmed or stressed out. My classes were general education (so subjects I am not majoring in) and I found them more interesting than the general education classes at my home university

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I didn't have any issues abroad that required my coordinator's attention but GlobaLinks makes sure all participants have medical insurance, which I did need while I was there.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the Griffith University Village and had 4 roomates, 2 from the States and 2 from Australia. The Village was a great mix of international and domestic students. It is the typical student apartment complex - it is definitely newer and looks nice. We didn't have any maintenance issues and you get your own room and it is pre-furnished.

* Food:

There is no dining hall on campus but it is less than a mile walk to the grocery store or you can always find someone with a car/take the bus!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I actually joined my school's volleyball team so I was able to meet people outside of my apartment complex that really showed me the Australian/Queensland culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health center was easily accessible. I had an issue where I had to go to the clinic every day for two weeks. I also sprained my ankle, which required an X ray. I was also able to do this and it was paid for with my health insurance that GlobaLinks provided. No vaccines were needed specifically for this program but I did get a vaccine before traveling to Bali, Indonesia.

* Safety:

I lived across the street from a shooting range and never once felt unsafe.

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)

Australia is definitely not cheap, but I had saved up a lot beforehand and made sure to splurge on travel, which is what I was really there for.

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? Open an Australian bank account! Saves on international transfer and ATM costs.

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

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Bridging Cultures Program
  • Discovery Model
  • MyLearn Account
* What could be improved?
  • Resident Coordinators
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't bring too many clothes!

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'