Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best 4 Months of My Life, Thanks to TEAN! Past Review

By (Kinesiology Pedagogy, University of New Hampshire) for

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Gold Coast - Bond University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Australia completely changed my life. It opened my eyes to an entirely new world (literally). I never realized how much there was to see outside of the United States, let alone my home town in Connecticut. Since my semester in Australia, I have already made further plans to travel through Europe and hopefully one day back to Australia. I have grown so much as a person in the last four months and have gained a sense of true independents. This trip has taught me so much about myself and the world in general. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Review Photos

Education Abroad Network: Gold Coast - Bond University Photo

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.

Like stated above, my abroad university was quite different than my one at home. There were a lot less assignments (that were worth more) at Bond than there are at UNH. Bond uses large lectures to teach most of the information and utilizes small tutorials to review information in more depth. I enjoyed this type of class structure because it allowed me clarify anything I was unsure of in a smaller learning setting. This is fairly similar to my program at UNH so this was not a huge adjustment for me. As far as the grading system goes, Australia's rubric isn't even comparable to the one in the states. For example, a 62 is average in Australia where that is D- in the America. This took some getting use to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

TEAN was extremely helpful in the study abroad process. If I ever had a question pertaining to absolutely anything, someone in the TEAN office would get back to me within the day. In the months before our departure, I called the office weekly and the staff was more than willing to help. While living on the Gold Coast, I felt comfortable e-mailing or calling our local Australian adviser at any time whether it was for a problem or just a suggestion for weekend plans. In addition, all TEAN members were extremely knowledgeable about not only Australia, but Bond itself and the classes it offered. My expectations were absolutely met and exceeded.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

TEAN offered 3 living options (on campus, apartments just off campus, and beach housing-15 min off campus). I lived in beach housing with three other Americans. It was in walking distance to the beach, grocery store, shopping plazas, and countless bars and restaurants. The apartments were fully furnished and came with all necessary home goods and appliances. This was the most ideal living situation for me.

* Food:

N/A

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Climbing the Sydeny Bridge, seeing the Opera house, TEAN "Amazing Race" through Sydney, orientation in Fiji, TEAN organized Worlds 7 rugby game, TEAN farewell dinner

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never once felt unsafe while living in the Gold Coast. Broad Beach is one of the most beautiful and safe areas that I have ever visited. TEAN set us up with a health insurance provider for the entire four months. If we ever had health issues we could call our school Health Services or for advising purposes we could contact our Australian host adviser.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Orientation
  • The organization, enthusiasm, and consistency of TEAN employees
  • Housing options
* What could be improved?
  • More information about flights- 1 issue in LA (Quantas change to Pacific Air)
  • Nothing else- every last detail was though of and taken care of.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would advise students to take advantage of the pre/post-orientation trip that is offered. For me, taking a four day trip to Fiji shaped the entire remainder of my experience abroad. I made the most amazing friendships that carried over to Australia and even back to the States. It was the perfect opportunity and place to get to know a group of strangers-they became like family to me. Take advantage of everything TEAN and Australia has to offer because your time abroad will absolutely fly by! I promise you, it will be the best four months of your life!!!