Get Barreled on the Goldie Mate Past Review
By Leopold A (Physics, College of Charleston) for
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Gold Coast - Bond University
Studying abroad was the greatest decision i have ever made. I was able to see places that i had dreamed about and met so many great people. It is truly an enlightening experience because you get completely out of your comfort zone. Traveling is definitely a top priority now and i want to get out and see more of the world, meet new people, and indulge into exotic cultures. I think it is pretty much summed up in my favorite quote from Sipping Jetstreams:“Some one who is now long dead once wrote, ‘the world is a book and those who don’t travel read only one page', but what no one tells you is that the book is no easy read. There is one thing I can say is though what ever it is that you are looking for: beauty, salvation, enlightenment, danger or just to disappear. This will only be a fraction of what you find. I’m just trying to read the whole book.’”
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
larger projects and papers as opposed to everyday work, so stay on top of things. you are expected to do work on your own at your own time. overall the workload was much less than at home. much less time in class as well. Bond has very knowledgable and intelligent professors especially in the business school, so take advantage! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Education Abroad has very knowledgeable staff who know what they are talking about. During orientation sessions, they provide you with a lot of very helpful information and tips to make your experience abroad the best it can be. They provide you with e mails with big events in your area, airfare deals, places to go, etc. They also hold events such as coffee get togethers, barbies, and dinners at restaurants. They are available by e mail or phone if you ever need someone to talk to, or in case of emergencies. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
2 blocks from the beach. pool, gym, game rooms, sauna, etc. all available in your building. two blocks from restaurants, clubs, and pubs of broadbeach. They provide all dishware and cookware. weekly maid service. |
| * Food: |
great food in broadbeach but fairly expensive. you are better off cooking your own. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Although the Gold Coast is more of a tourist destination (similar to Orlando, FL), there are areas that are much more cultural.The clubs and parties of Surfer's Paradise very close. Professional sports include soccer and rugby. Be sure to take advantage of the public transport to go to places like Coolangatta and Burleigh Heads. Also, Byron Bay, Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast are all accessible and should definitely be checked out. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
overseas health insurance provided by education abroad. your home institution should be in charge of your vaccinations |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Anyone will find bond and the gold coast to be a great place. It is full of people from all over, great nightlife and attractions, but also has its own gems hidden beneath the touristy facade so get out there and find them. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Introduction to Philosophy |
| Course Department: | PHIL11-101 |
| Instructor: | Steven Watson |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | three papers make up your grade. lectures are all discussion based. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | none education abroad network does it all for you! |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Image and Photography |
| Course Department: | FITV11-120 |
| Instructor: | Naomi Busst |
| Instruction Language: | english |
| Comments: | teacher is very knowledgable and helpful. class is lecture, then take pictures during class. it is a lot of work outside class taking photos for weekly assignments and projects. Take advantage of time in your computer lab for photoshop. She is a hard grader and expects a lot of effort. You do learn so much about photography and improve your technical skills. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Principles of Economics |
| Course Department: | ECON11-100 |
| Instructor: | Campbell, Knox (tutorial) |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | very fast paced lectures. do practice homeworks assigned for tutorial and studying for midterm and final will not be as challenging. Tutorials are very important be sure to take advantage of smaller class size and personal relationship with instructor. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | none education abroad network does it all for you! |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Australian Popular Culture |
| Course Department: | AUST11-105 |
| Instructor: | |
| Instruction Language: | english |
| Comments: | study abroad course for americans. probably not the best course to take if you want to get a more authentic australian experience |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | none education abroad network does it all for you! |
