The Education Abroad Network changed my life. Past Review

By (Journalism, University of Iowa) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have lived in the Midwest my entire life and haven't really left. Seeing other parts of the world and getting to meet people from all over the world changed my life. I am so different and cultured now. Even just becoming best friends with American students from all over the US changed me. Not to mention all the friends I made from all over the world. TEAN is worth every cent and could not have been better quality. Bond University was gorgeous and provided me with an amazing international schooling experience.

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.

School in Australia was a lot easier than it is in the US. Unlike in the US, there was not nearly as much to do throughout the semester. My classes each had one presentation and then at most two exams. The teachers at Bond University were all unbelievably helpful and were more then willing to help international students with any questions or confusion. The grading system is different than in the US, it takes some getting used to. The teachers were also very helpful with teaching us this new system.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I was in almost constant contact with TEAN staff during my trip abroad. There were different sessions set up in the Gold Coast that we could attend if we wanted to meet directly with the staff. There were also BBQ's and other social events during the semester that we could go to with all the TEAN students and staff. I thought the program size was perfect. There were about 50 American students going through TEAN living in the Meriton Serviced Apartments. I had four random roommates that were Americans and we all got along great. We did a survey and stuff before we left so they matched us up with our roommates accordingly. I could not have had a better situation. I made so many lifelong friends through TEAN. TEAN definitely prepared us for Australia and the culture and lifestyle we would be in. We had tons of information before ever leaving so there were no real surprises.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the Meriton Serviced Apartments/Hotel. These accommodations were absolutely unreal. We lived a block away from the beach and were right in the middle of the downtown area. We were also a short busride away from Surfers Paradise, which was full of amazing things to do. We did not need to buy anything to settle-in. Our rooms had 2 bathrooms and were fully furnished with a full kitchen. We had an amazing balcony and furniture out there too with a view of the ocean. It could not have been any better. We were a bus ride away from Bond University, but that didn't matter. I only had class 3x a week so it was worth living on the beach because we spent so much time there. I never felt unsafe in Australia. The people are all amazing and so friendly, and the area we are in was very nice.

* Food:

Food was maybe the one thing I didn't love about Australia. There was nothing I really ate and loved. I think it is just because the US has such good food that nothing else compares.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There was so much going on where we lived in the Gold Coast. There was a Quiksilver Pro surf competition on the beach by us while we we there. This was so amazing. It was such a cool thing to see and it really helped experience the culture and lifestyle of Australians. Me and some friends also took a trip to Thailand. This was hands down the coolest experience of my entire life. Bond University has a travel agency on campus, student flights. This was so so helpful. They planned all our trips and made all our travel stress-free and as cheap as possible. TEAN also had a pre-semester trip to Fiji that is a must. It is amazing and beautiful and it was a great way to get to know everyone in the program. We also went to Mardi-Gras in Sydney in March. This was quite the site to see. It was amazing and such a neat cultural experience to say the very least.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never had any health issues while I was abroad.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You need to do it. I miss everything about my abroad experience every single day. I think about my experience every single day. If you are looking to explore the world and make amazing friends, this organization can help you do that. I grew so much as a young adult from studying abroad and seeing places like Fiji and Thailand forever changed my life. My abroad experience makes me want to travel and see more of the world.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Digital Media & Society

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was really interesting. I am interested in journalism and the media in the US, so seeing how thing are done in Australia was really neat. The class was really up to speed with modern technology and the information presented was really applicable to my daily life.
Credit Transfer Issues: I took this course for Journalism Credit at my home university.
Course Name/Rating:

Love, Sex & Relationships

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was a ton of fun. It was unlike any class I could have taken at my home university. It was really interesting and really got me thinking about things I wouldn't normally think about in a critical manner.
Credit Transfer Issues: I took this class as a Gen. Ed.