Nothing comes close to the... Gold Coast? Past Review

By (Bryant University) - abroad from 08/29/2016 to 12/18/2016 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 great deal about the subjects that I took courses in and Australia as a whole from my experiences abroad, but most importantly I began to learn more about myself. Away from my parents for an extended period of time, I made decisions independently of anyone else, and the decisions that I made helped me to figure out who I am as a person. The incredible beauty of Australia and all of the memories that I made there made this trip absolutely worthwhile, and something that I will always cherish and look back happily at.

Review Photos

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Bond University is an amazing school that seems to be primarily known for business, but it offers so much more. Not only does it offer a whole host of different degree programs, but Bond also offers a great network for its students in regards to academic support, extracurricular activities, internship opportunities, and many other aspects that make it such a fantastic school. The courses were challenging, but the professors were more than competent and really showed genuine interest in making sure that their students succeeded.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

TEAN provides an immense amount of support to students wishing to study abroad from the very beginning of the process onward. They did an amazing job of communicating what had to be done and when it had to be done in order to make things as smooth as possible leading up to departure.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Through TEAN, we were given the opportunity to live in Peppers Broadbeach, an incredible 5-star hotel with much more than a handful of luxurious amenities. This, of course, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and coupled with the proximity to the beach, Peppers was the cherry on top for my Australian experience.

* Food:

Living off campus, we were responsible for purchasing and preparing our own food. Obviously this is one of the areas that can really differ from person to person, but for myself and most of the other students who were in a similar position, we used this responsibility of cooking to try new things and experiment. Looking back, learning how to cook for myself was one of the most important things that I took out of studying abroad.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

TEAN did a fantastic job during our orientation of candidly giving us an idea of what to expect of Australian culture. As a result, given that we were so far from the United States, I began to feel quite acquainted with Australian culture, and even the laid back attitude of the Gold Coast.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Although I did not personally have any experience with healthcare, one of my roommates did, and TEAN was extremely supportive throughout the issue to ensure that he was in good hands. They checked on him regularly, and were quick to suggest different options for treatment. As far as I can tell, this was an isolated situation that TEAN dealt with incredibly well.

* Safety:

Gold Coast was very welcoming of tourists and at no time during my time spent there did I feel unsafe. With that being said, students should be careful to look out for each other and exercise common sense, especially when out at night, as they would anywhere else. The rip current can get quite strong in the ocean as well, so it is important to swim only when lifeguards are on duty and between the flags.

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

Besides the fact that TEAN has the most helpful, supportive, and approachable staff, they offer more events and activities than other providers and have put a great deal of thought into the small details to make sure that students have an amazing time abroad.

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 wanted to have as much money to travel as possible, so I spent as little as I could on food while studying abroad in Australia. Most mornings I would eat oatmeal, most lunches I would eat PB&J's or leftovers, and for dinner I would often eat rice, chicken, and vegetables. Of course I switched it up often and tried cooking new things, but I found this to be a relatively healthy and cost-effective way to eat without spending too much time or money grocery shopping.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When you're traveling, you are probably going to spend a lot more than when you are not traveling. Save and plan accordingly!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Friendly staff members
  • Additional acitivites offered as part of the program
  • The support felt throughout the semester
* What could be improved?
  • TEAN
  • is
  • great!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Looking back at a trip like this, there were a lot of things I could have done better if I had known then what I know now. I would have saved more money over the summer and I wouldn't have made the same mistakes in packing my luggage which cost me extra money in fees (double/triple/quadruple check baggage limits for domestic flights!). I would have gotten a job so money would not have been as much of a worry while I was in Australia. Knowing these things now is helpful, and will stress them to anyone who wishes to study abroad anywhere, not just in Australia.

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.