Study Abroad in Gold Coast, Australia

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.

I studied at Bond University in Gold Coast, Australia. I could not have had a better experience and I owe a lot of that to The Education Abroad Network.

We were housed in 'beach housing' which was a beautiful hotel just a block from the beach. This housing was also just a short bus trip away from Bond Uni. The location of this housing was perfect. We were walking distance from shopping, tons of restaurants, bars, night clubs, you name it!

We were also very close to bus stops, and these buses could take you all over the area and also to the airport and train station. We took bus trips to Byron Bay, Burleigh Heads, Currumbin, Brisbane, just to name a few! The tickets were very reasonably priced, too.

The TEAN staff was unbelievably helpful and made planning schedules and any other trips really easy. They planned a pre-semester trip to Fiji and this was a great chance to meet the rest of the students on the trip. It was also an amazing trip in general! Delicious food, beautiful beaches and hiking!

This program made it very easy to make a ton of new friends. I had three random roommates from all over the U.S. and they soon became my best friends. TEAN plans different activities during the semester, which is a good opportunity to check-in with staff and make sure things are going well.

All in all, I could not have had a better trip. TEAN was fantastic.

One of the best decisions of my life thus far seems to be my study abroad experience in Gold Coast, Australia. I attended Griffith University and lived in off campus apartments that overlooked the beach and beautiful coast line.

Upon my return home, many asked what my favorite part about studying abroad and to be honest, I could not pick one thing that was my absolute favorite. I did so many things, saw so many places and met so many amazing people.

I decided to choose the Education Abroad Network to travel abroad with from the beginning. They seemed to have the most amount of activities and support for the best dollar value. Overall, yes the trip was expensive, but I wouldn't have changed any bit of it.

Our program started with a 5 day orientation to Sydney, Australia. Here we climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, fed kangaroos and ate dinner aboard a cruise ship along the Sydney Harbour. We watched fireworks after dinner and soaked in the evening breeze.

Next, we were offered a trip to Cairns and of course, I decided to experience the trip. We flew from Sydney to Cairns for 5 more days of fun. We went white water rafting, bungee jumping and scuba dived along the Great Barrier Reef. I was only in Australia for less than two weeks and I had already seen one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world. I had no idea what was in store for the next 4.5 months.

We finally ended up in Gold Coast, Australia and moved into our on campus apartments. The bus ride to class about 30 minutes, but I enjoyed the time to myself to listen to the music or read while listening to locals talk about their everyday lives. I took 4 classes, all of which had over 50% of Australians in them. I had two group projects where I had to work with locals and got to know each of them personally. It was great to be welcomed into their Uni (what they call a University there).

My apartment was completely furnished, including kitchen ware and linens. It was two bedroom, two bath and I shared a room with one of my roommates. We lived around travelers from all over and sometimes locals. The living was absolutely 5 star.

While there, we travled as much as possible. We rented a car and road tripped to a place called Byron Bay and Nimbin. Then we planned a week trip to Melbourne and Alice Springs, where yet again we saw another Natural Wonder of the World, Uluru. Everything we saw and did was amazing.

There were plenty of things I could not experience simply because I ran out of time! I continually ask myself, when can I go back?

The Education Abroad Network was great through every experience abroad. They were never more than a phone call or text message away. One particular experience happened when I arrived in Sydney. My luggage was lost and I was on the verge of a nervous break down. My director took my paper work from the airport and took care of everything. I didn't have to sign one form, or talk to one representative. He had my luggage waiting for me at our hotel when it arrived in Australia. It was such a relief knowing he was there to help me during a time of high stress.

Overall, my experience was a chance of a lifetime and I wouldn't have changed a thing. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me! I love talking about my time abroad and if you go, you will too!