TEAN by WorldStrides

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!!

This was a wonderful program in a not-so-traveled part of Australia. When Americans think of Australia, they usually imagine Sydney or Melbourne. But Perth is quite the city gem. It's a very culturally rich city with fun activities, festivals, and museums. The area has plenty of nature, with Yanchep National Park nearby as well. There are plenty of fun places to go, and it is a large city to explore. The University is world-renowned, and the campus is beautiful. Everyone I met was so kind, and we were offered many opportunities to go out and explore the city and the surrounding area. I interned at Mosman Park Football Club as a Sports Trainer, and it was a fun way to meet people in the community, even see them out in the city. I was close with my mentor, and she still is a great friend of mine. The internship does not take away from your travel; if anything, they encourage it! My course work was difficult but nothing that was different from my home university. It was nice to learn from professors that are knowledgeable in their field. As a pre-health professional a study abroad experience is essential. It might seem impossible with the course work, shadowing and interning. But, you can do it all and still explore and learn and gain expirience. Especially if you aren't fluent in a language, Australia is a good alternitive.

My nerves about study abroad were overcome by the exceeding of my expectations at Bond University. This semester was an amazing experience from the great Bond staff and faulty, traveling throughout Australia and New Zealand, and the relationships I formed! The professors that I had this semester were so knowledgeable in their fields and had so much to share. I discovered a new interest of mine through my Sport Development class. After studying during the week, the weekends were filled with traveling all over. My favorite places in Australia were Byron Bay and Cairns. These two places were different in their own ways but were great. And the South Island of New Zealand is amazing, the scenery is just beautiful!