Livin' The Dream Past Review

By (Publc Relations, University of Tampa) - abroad from 01/04/2016 to 04/30/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself. I became more independent and self sufficient. I'm able to travel confidently but myself and interact with new people with out an issue.

Review Photos

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

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Although I lived on campus and not a lot of people did, it was the greatest decision. I was able to save money on housing and use it in order to travel. It was convenient to class and the school cafeteria.

* Food:

Nothing will ever beat Mom's homemade pasta but the different cuisines you can try in Australia definitely come close. I was able to try things like Camel, emu, and kangaroo.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never didn't feel safe. I always had a friend with me but we always felt safe.

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

Everyday I become more upset that I didn't extend my trip. My time with TEAN in Australia were the greatest 16 weeks of my life. The program was always there whenever I had questions about school, a trip, or anything else for that matter. One of the best parts of the program was the Australian orientation. We were able to spend a week full of culture, food, and walking in Sydney with an actual Australian tour guide. We got acclimated with our surroundings and our new friends. Another great plus of TEAN is that they offer a post trip (I think to ease you back into real life) to Fiji. Let me tell you, it was the most relaxing week of my life. 12/10 would recommend.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $350
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Stay in hostels when traveling and eat cheap food. Spend your money on experiences like bungee jumping

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

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Australia orientation
  • The option to do an excursion to Fiji
* What could be improved?
  • The size of the program. For my taste,it was too big
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the location of Gold Coast. Since I go to school in Florida and there are lots of similarities, I wish I was aware of that. However, it made for a great home base for constant travel.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'