TEAN: Study Abroad in Gold Coast, Australia

I was very nervous about leaving home, let alone my country, for 4 months. The Education Abroad Network was very sufficent at answering any questions I had and making me feel confident and less nervous about leaving home for so long.
Once I got to the Gold Coast, they still kept in very good contact with me and helped me to calm my nerves when I was nervous about something.

I am so glad that I decided to go through The Education Abroad Network (TEAN). I looked at a few other programs and this was the only one that fit me, but as soon as I committed I never looked back. TEAN helped me with everything before leaving for the trip. There were things that I never would have even thought of doing, but thanks to TEAN I was able to follow their checklist to get all set for Australia. I did the pre-semester trip which was totally worth it, but as soon as we got to Sydney the TEAN staff spent the next few days giving us an orientation. Normally I find orientations dry and boring, but TEAN incorporated awesome activities making orientation a ton of fun and it ended up being one of the highlights of my semester. When we finally got to the Gold Coast, the TEAN staff didn't just dump us. They frequently checked in and planned events for us. It was really nice to be able to know that someone was there for us for our entire trip. Not that going abroad is stressful, but having TEAN did take away any stress we would have had.

I searched many programs when I finally made the decision to study abroad and it is with the utmost conviction when I say that The Education Abroad Network (TEAN) is the best one out there. You are immediately aware of the superiority of this program when you are matched with a program advisor who is personable, knowledgeable and genuinely cares about your questions and concerns. And that doesn't stop once you leave the United States. TEAN provides you with an advisor in your selected study abroad city as well--making sure you are in safe hands at all times. Another aspect TEAN offers in Gold Coast, Australia is the option of living in a serviced-apartment hotel as your living arrangements! On-campus housing is of course offered as well. Studying abroad in Australia was the experience of a lifetime, so much so that I now consider it a second home. Between the weather, laid-back lifestyle and friendly natives, it was an easy transition with actually more culture shock when I returned back to the United States! Bond University houses many international students so you're also a part of an even wider culture experience. The Gold Coast is social and lively while mixing in beautiful beaches, breath-taking views and easy accessibility to other cities and attractions.

When I decided to study in Australia I had no idea what exactly to expect. I mean it was half a world away. But after going this summer, I can say that I loved every minute I was there. Starting out in the Northern Territory, we were able to visit one of the most unique national parks in the world, Kakadu National park, see the famous Mindil beach markets, and swim in one of the coolest mountain tops pools in the world. From there I was able to travel to Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, and Cairns. Each city was so different and exciting and offered a range of activities for everyone. Some of these activities included visiting Rod Laver Arena(where the Australian Open is played), the Olympic Stadium, the Great Barrier Reef, and Bungee Jumping! I would recommend this trip of a lifetime to anyone.

Studying abroad was an unforgettable, adventurous odyssey that most people can only dream of. But TEAN made it possible and it was the most rewarding, incredible and FUN experience of my life. I wish every single day I could do it all over again. One semester wasn't enough for me, so I extended my stay and ended up doing a full academic year through TEAN at Bond University! I learned a multitude of things not only in the classes I took, bu mostly outside the classroom while traveling and just going about my daily routine and life there. I made a home for myself in Australia. I ate at all the local restaurants, listened to local artists/radio stations, learned how to surf, spoke their Aussie slang, celebrated Australian holidays, and explored some of the most beautiful places in the world. I really fell in love with their entire culture and I shared that love and passion for the country with the best people I've ever met, some Australians who I still keep in touch with and American students in my program as well who are now some of my best friends back here in the States. We talk all the time about our memories and how much we miss it abroad, but also plan the next time we're going to get to go back together in the near future! Till then, I'll reminisce with my overload of photos and video footage :)

The TEAN orientation was nothing short of incredible! It was my first 5 days in Australia, and there was no better way to get adjusted and meet new people. Everyday we did something that I knew was a once in a lifetime experience. From climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge, to taking a dinner boat cruise past the Opera House, it was all so surreal. Seeing all the famous beaches in Sydney and spending nights exploring Sydney’s bustling streets and bars were only part of why I loved orientation so much. I met friends that I kept in touch with my entire time in Australia. When I think about my favorite moments of studying abroad, a lot of them happened during TEAN’s orientation. What an amazing way to start off my adventure! Once we arrived in the Gold Coast, there was so much to do on a day to day basis. On most days, my roommates and I would walk to the beach and meet some local friends we had made. There was tons of shopping and hiking opportunities all around us, and a very lively nightlife on the weekends. The commute to school was easy and so worth living on the beach. The only difficulties I encountered studying abroad with TEAN, were saying goodbye to the friends I had made, and leaving the new home I built for myself over a semester.

The Education Abroad Network did an amazing job! I had such a fun trip and made memories that will last me a lifetime. They were always a phone call away and made sure that we made the most of our trip. The cultural excursions as well as the orientation in Sydney allowed me to get so much out of my time abroad! I would HIGHLY recommend going abroad with TEAN :)
Devon

From September to December I felt like I was living in paradise. I lived in the Meriton Apartments at Broadbeach which I would 100% recommend. Living just a block from the beach and surrounded by shops, restaurants, and nightlife, one may not think it could get any better. But it did. Having two pools and two hot tubs, a gym right downstairs, and a cleaning service every Saturday made the accommodations more than I could ever have asked for. And lets not forget about school, there was conveniently located public transportation right next to the Meriton that would take us to Bond Uni in about fifteen minutes.

The TEAN Orientation was jam packed with exciting things to do that allowed us to explore all around Sydney. Between climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge, seeing breathtaking views from the coastal walk to Bondi Beach, and landing at the Opera House at the end of the Amazing Race, I have memories that will never fade. My favorite part of Orientation was the Amazing Race. It forced us to get out of our comfort zone in a foreign place, talk to people, find our way around, use all different types of transportation we were not use to, bond as a team, and unfortunately, try Vegemite.

The TEAN staff was helpful from the start. From the moment I decided to study abroad, the TEAN number quickly landed on my speed dial. Once I was in Australia I was relieved that there were Resident Directors to guide us. They always had the answers to questions, were knowledgeable about the area, suggested great activities, and encouraged us to have the best experience possible.

My study abroad experience through TEAN bettered me as a friend, a traveler, a leader, and a student. I fully recommend every student to take advantage of the opportunities that lay right before their eyes.