The Joys of Living Aussie Style! Past Review

By (Sport and Fitness Administration/Management., Marietta College) - abroad from 07/11/2012 to 11/22/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was definitely worthwhile. Stepping out of your comfort zone and being somewhere alone will definitely teach you a lot about yourself, your life and your culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The culture of education is definitely different in Australia, but I feel like The Education Abroad Network gave me all of the tools that I needed to successfully complete the semester abroad!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff in Australia was very helpful in the transition into the country as well as every day living tips. They were always available and the semester fun events were always something to look forward to!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing accommodations were the best that I have ever lived in. They were in the perfect location, and there were no hidden fees! It was everything that they described and more!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Education Abroad Network really helped integrate us into the local culture by providing fun cultural events as well as contacts to get out into the community and volunteer.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Australia is an overall safe place to be. I never feared for my safety. Everyone was really helpful.

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)

The only thing we had to purchase was our food, which could depend on how much sharing we did as a house, and how much we ate out. But being able to work while abroad also helped out a great deal!

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be cautious of your spending, keep a balancing or check book.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The communication
  • The organization
  • The knowledge of my host country
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think everything about The Education Abroad Network is spelled out pretty clearly in all of their materials. If something is not clear, there is always someone available to answer all of your questions with a wonderful response time!