Exchange: Griffith University : Reviews (Gold Coast)
The following program review responses have been selected for publication by Global and Intercultural Affairs Center
Ratings for Program
Mauricio Hernandez,
Fall 2018 Participant
Do not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and be prepared to meet a lot of amazing and fun individuals from all over the world!
Shannon Elizabeth Hirko,
Fall 2018 Participant
This program is absolutely amazing. The culture of Australia is incredible-everyone is super friendly and the locals are awesome. The location of Griffith is perfect; Gold Coast has beaches, mountains, cities, and so much more to do. There are also lots of study abroad students to hang out with! The academics are slightly different-they're much more relaxed and grades are very heavily dependent on finals. I would highly recommend living at the village, it's a little more expensive than other options but it's very conveniently located close to campus, they plan lots of activities for residents, and you'll meet a lot of people living there. Overall, this experience was better than I could have ever expected and I would highly recommend it to anyone considering going.
Taylor Rose McCarthy,
Fall 2018 Participant
I would recommend this program to other students. I would say if a student is looking for a more cultural experience then maybe not this program because the culture in Australia is not too different from America, but it does have some differences. It was very nice that they spoke English and made it easy to get around. I recommend going out of your comfort zone and meeting new people and try new things and experiences. Make the most of your time there because it goes by fast. Try to plan out the places you want to visit and spread it out across the semester. Don't wait until the end to do all your travelling.
Fall 2018 Participant
It is hard to put into words how much my abroad experienced helped my personal growth. Contrary to popular belief, Australia has such a different culture that forces you to adapt to major changes and grow as a person. The program at Griffith University in Gold Coast is molded for the abroad students to have an enjoyable and easy transition to the changes in academics you may be used to. Australia's residents are also some of the most warm and welcoming people in the world and will always be willing to point you in the right direction or be a helping hand when you are in need. I really agreed with the system of academics because they would have a lecture that would relay the weeks material then a workshop after that would go over the lecture to help you understand the topics and concepts better. Overall the academics, cultural awakening and amazing atmosphere that Australia has to offer is second to none. I would recommend this program to everyone who is thinking about studying abroad and so happy I was blessed to experience it.
Bridget Anne Dunnigan,
Spring 2018 Participant
This program was one I will always hold close to my heart. It was so, so amazing with so many new experiences and opportunities. This program allowed me to create friendships with people all over the world, learn and understand about new cultures and places, and grow significantly as an individual. I would advise every student to do this program and to take on change and unfamiliarity. Until you actually study abroad, you will never know the true feeling or impact it has on those who have done it in the past. This is something I can confidently say you will not regret and you will become a better person because of it.
Spring 2018 Participant
I definitely would recommend this program. I really enjoyed it and would love to go back . Homesickness is real and it will happen; you are on the other side of the world. Make the most out of your time there and do and see as much as you can. Everything was memorable; the people, the experiences, the places. Do not get caught up in social media and what is going on back at home. Live every moment to the fullest and take in every single thing you possibly can. Many times, just stop and look around and tell yourself how grateful and lucky you are to be where you are; that is your life.
Carlie Michelle Witsken,
Spring 2018 Participant
I LOVED this program! I also loved Griffith, it was an amazing university experience, and I will genuinely miss my campus and classes A LOT. It was a special place. I also loved living on the Gold Coast, and am very happy with the location I chose. The university made it very easy for me to get settled in and feel at home, and it was nice that there was such a large population of abroad students while I was there. It was also pretty easy for me to figure out public transportation. However, I also recommend opening an Australian Bank account!!