Best 4 Months of My Life Past Review

By (Liberal Arts, General Studies, Manhattan College) - abroad from 01/06/2015 to 05/01/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much- from confidence to my view on life- I learned a lot about myself and where I want my life to go.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Amazing! Professors were easy to talk to and work load was very manageable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The host country administration through TEAN were awesome. Super friendly and eager to help you have the best four months of your life.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

When I was first looking at the housing options, I did not think The Reserve/Cape housing was not going to be the housing for me. I ended up picking The Reserve/Cape Housing as my top option, so that I could have more money to spend on trips. The housing blew me away as soon as I walked through the door. SO much nicer than I anticipated it to be and overall great sense of community. TEAN did an outstanding job recommending The Reserve/Cape Housing to me.

* Food:

So many options and a lot of great Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Indian cuisine.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

TEAN and Bond both did a great job about feeling welcome in our new home. After only a few days, I felt like I was one of the locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Never felt in danger at any point in time. And if I were to feel in danger, TEAN and Bond University give you a lot of information on what to do/who to contact.

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)

1- Australia is a super expensive country. My bank account suffered a bit, but I do not regret a single bit of it. The 4 months through TEAN and Bond were truly the best four months of my life. Every day was the next best day of my life (for 4 months straight).

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Job options are available, but take advantage of everything you can do over there, you never know if you're going to be back.

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

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Sense of Community
  • Housing and Location
  • University
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I had high expectations going into the program, and my time abroad was above and beyond every single one of those expectations.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.