An Amazing, Unforgettable Experience in the Land Down Under ! Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - 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 to get out of my comfort zone and emerge in a different culture that what I was used to. Very much worthwhile.

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? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academic rigor was very intense, but very interesting and enjoyable for me.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very satisfied being that I was placed in the housing I asked for.

* Food:

Very good but expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Australians are very friendly so I had no problem socializing with them. I made two friends that I'm actually going to visit next year in Melbourne and one is coming to New York in May.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe 50-60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't blow all your money in the first week at orientation !

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?
  • The helpfulness of the staff
  • The free programs put on for us
* What could be improved?
  • Maybe more excursions outside of the Gold Coast
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to budget my money more effectively

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.'