Become a local Past Review

By (College of Charleston) - abroad from 02/14/2020 to 06/08/2020 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
After this experience, I feel like I really became a local. I learned about how Aussies see the US and how things are run on the opposite side of the world.

Review Photos

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

I absolutely fell in love with the Gold Coast! I actually plan on now moving here after graduation. The people I met are so nice and made sure I felt included. Most of the people I met, including Sarah the local program advisor, I still keep in touch with and check in with!

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? About $150AUD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Ask yourself "do I really need this" before you buy ANYTHING.

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
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Inclusive to local culture
  • Everywhere is a beach vibe
  • The campus was beautiful!
* What could be improved?
  • Have host families or local accommodations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? When I first got here, I thought I was going to be living with other TEAN students the entire time, but then COVID hit and everyone went home. Well, everyone but me that is. So I moved into a share house and realized what I was missing by living with Americans.

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.'