Gold Coast: When Can I Go Back?

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!