Gold Coast Semester of a Lifetime

During my Junior year at Colorado State University, I was fortunate enough to take a break from the chilly January temperatures in Fort Collins, Colorado and venture halfway across the world to the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia.

Shortly after the new year I took a long, but much awaited plane ride across the international date line to a whole different world. Through the Education Abroad Network I immediately bonded with other students in my program starting in the airport in San Fransisco. Once we arrived in Sydney for orientation the bonding and excitement had more than just began. Orientation in the beautiful city of Sydney included guided walking tours around the city, visiting an animal park with native Australian animals, a trip to the Blue Mountains, and a dinner cruise around Sydney Harbor including amazing views of the harbor bridge and opera house.

Although orientation was a great way to be welcomed into the country, I was excited to get to my housing accommodations on the Gold Coast. Upon arrival in Broadbeach I was introduced to the Meriton Hotel where I would be living for the next 4 months. It was better than I could have imagined: 2 blocks from the beach and living in a four star hotel that was completely furnished and boasted an amazing indoor/outdoor pool, full time front desk service, as well as a gym. Living in the Meriton required a 25 minute bus ride to the Bond University campus but was in close proximity to the beach, two shopping malls, grocery stores, restaurants, etc.

The Bond campus is absolutely breathtaking with beautiful planters, glorious fountains, and school facilities that would amaze anyone. The semester I spent at Bond was something I will never forget. From the school organized parties, to my warm and welcoming professors, as well as my Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday school schedule that made traveling during my semester abroad much easier.

I would recommend studying at Bond through The Education Abroad Network to anyone.