The Best 4 Months of My Life Past Review

By (Accounting, Bond University) - abroad from 01/04/2012 to 04/22/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned life lessons on how to handle relationships with my friends, family, and anyone in the world. The Australian way of life is greater than any other. I REGRET NOTHING

Review Photos

Education Abroad Network: Gold Coast - Bond University Photo Education Abroad Network: Gold Coast - Bond University Photo Education Abroad Network: Gold Coast - Bond University Photo

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: N/A
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.

On a pass/fail bases you shouldn't have too many problems passing. However, if your abroad isn't based on pass fail, you might need to put in a lot of work for a grade you really desire.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone who worked at Bond was so helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Meriton Hotel in Broadbeach was the perfect living accommodation in Australia. Only a short bus to campus, and a short block and a half walk to the beach. The service was unprecedented and the apartment was beautiful.

* Food:

I happen to enjoy American sized food and portion a little more. However the food was fairly the same besides the abundance of sweet chili sauce.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Australians are some of the nicest in the world. I made a lot of Australian friends and got along with the people great.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had an injury or a health issue.

* Safety:

Considering it is illegal to have a gun, I never felt unsafe in Australia. The people were also too nice.

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)

I had trouble budgeting because I spent on just about any and everything.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300$ a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy from the super market. Drink boxed wine.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • friends
  • weather
  • traveling
* What could be improved?
  • weather
  • less classes
  • less expensive
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew which trips to go on before I jumped into the ones I did