TEAN - Australia - Griffith University, Gold Coast

Living on the Gold Coast was an incredible experience. It’s such an amazing place with stunning beaches and warm weather. On the Gold Coast there’s a really relaxed yet active lifestyle that makes it easy to enjoy every day. I lived off campus in Broadbeach, just a short 5-minute walk from Kurrawa Beach. I spent a lot of time at the beach going for walks, swimming, catching a tan, or watching the surfers! I stayed at Meriton Suites in Broadbeach, and it had everything I needed. The apartment was modern and comfortable, and the building had great amenities like a pool, hot tub, gym, sauna, and even a place to grill. Broadbeach was a balanced place to live. It was quiet enough to focus and unwind, but still had restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby. There’s so much to do in the Goldcoast. There were nearby mountains you could hike, several beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, amusement parks, restaurants, etc. It always felt like there was something new to see or try. At the same time, the area felt really livable, not just a tourist destination. Surfers Paradise was just a 6-minute tram ride or a 1.5 mile walk along the coast. This area was a lot more lively, with a busy social scene. I really felt like I had the best of both worlds living wise. The weather was a major highlight. Almost every day was sunny and warm, which made it easy to spend time outdoors and really enjoy the environment. By the end of my stay, I felt healthier, more connected to nature, and just overall refreshed. I studied at Griffith University on the Gold Coast campus, and it was honestly a great experience. The academics were good, and all my courses transferred smoothly back to my home university. The professors were super helpful and approachable, which made a big difference. The campus itself had a lot to offer, however there wasn't a huge social scene on campus like there is at my home university. I only had to go to campus three days a week, so I had a nice balance of study and free time to explore the area. If you’re thinking about studying abroad, I’d really recommend the Gold Coast. It offers a great mix of natural beauty, things to do, and a comfortable lifestyle that’s easy to settle into. This experience felt like a 4 month vacation while also getting an education!!

Studying abroad with TEAN made me feel absolutely prepared and excited for the new things I was about to experience! I loved how they had little games to immerse ourselves in the Australian culture during orientation and the prizes were absolutely wonderful (I won one, it was a free snorkeling tour of the Great Barrier Reef! How cool is that??). Once we got to our host cities, I never felt like we were truly alone. Someone from TEAN was always hosting a get together or had a fun activity planned, and their monthly newsletters of activities was always helpful. Cole was also always there to give advice. Going to school there was definitely new and completely different than in the US, but it was very easy to get used to and I actually prefer their method of teaching now! And of course, the TEAN group was always there for each other, and while we made our own friends in Australia, I knew we always had each other to relate to. It was very calming to know that everyone was feeling the same way. TEAN was able to give me experiences that I would not have been able to experience if I hadn't gone with them, and I am forever grateful for the people involved with the program and the company itself!

When I say this was the best 5 months of my life... I mean it. I actually loved my study abroad experience in the Gold Coast so much that I am planning on moving back once I graduate! Not a day goes by I don't think about that place and all of the amazing memories it holds for me. From the beaches, the healthy and active lifestyle, the nicest people, the weather, to the endless opportunities for travel... I could not say enough good things about my experience abroad. I lived in a luxurious hotel one block from the beach with a bunch of new friends, I mean it really doesn't get better. A day in the life looked like waking up early to catch the sunrise on a beach walk (grab a coffee on the way), heading to pilates at a studio right under my living accommodation, maybe grabbing an acai bowl next door on my way home, getting ready for school in my amazing hotel room, catching the tram to Griffith University, attending a class or two with some fellow abroad friends and of course with the local Aussies I've grown to love and call my friends, heading home on the tram and meeting some friends at the market for dinner, maybe frozen-yogurt on the way home, hot-tub sesh with friends back at the hotel and calling it a night. I could go on and on about the things this experience taught me, how much I grew from it, and the lifelong friends it brought me, but I don't want to spoil it all... you'll have to go find out for yourself! But seriously, I promise you won't be able to stop talking about it once you come home from this abroad experience, it has genuinely become a personality trait of mine now...