Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An ongoing Adventure! Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 01/04/2016 to 04/24/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about being on my own in a foreign place and how to navigate and survive on my own. I learned about another countries perspective on life and culture. Yes, it was an experience worthwhile that will impact me in the future.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Representatives from TEAN came to visit frequently.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Too expensive for the amount of money given on meal plan.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Gold Coast is a popular tourist destination. Bond University is only 50% Australian population so not that integrated. Most of my classes were mostly Americans.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any experiences.

* Safety:

Robina and Bond felt very safe. Surfers Paradise is known for not being safe. I witnessed a few drunk fights at Surfers Paradise.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Tean was extremely helpful from start to finish. The orientation in Sydney was a great bonus and the monthly coffee catch ups were nice.

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)

It was easy food wise with the meal plan and transportation around the city was a minimal expense, but planning out trips is where I should have budgeted more and spent most of my money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to research where you want to go on trips and make a budget for traveling.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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
  • 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?
  • Sydney Orientation
  • Facebook Page
  • Coffee meetups
* What could be improved?
  • Different partner for the group flight
  • More guidance on move in day
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to budget money. The geography of Australia and where I would like to visit.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.