USAC Australia: Gold Coast/Brisbane - Undergraduate Courses

I traveled to Australia for a study abroad semester through USAC, and I had an excellent experience. I had the opportunity to meet many locals as well as other international students. I attended Griffith University, and the classes were fairly easy to immerse myself in as an international student. The area I was in, which was Gold Coast, Australia, was very walker-friendly and had good public transportation, and everything else went fairly smoothly. Since USAC is independent from my home university, it was a little difficult configuring my class schedule and numerous documents, but other than that it's smooth sailing.

Studying abroad in Australia has truly been the best experience of my life. From attending classes at Griffith University to exploring the beaches of the Gold Coast, every day felt like a new adventure. I’ve met incredible people from all over the world, and together we’ve created memories that will last forever — from weekend trips to Sydney and Byron Bay to spontaneous getaways to Bali and Fiji. This experience didn’t just expand my education; it expanded my view of the world. I’ve grown more independent, confident, and curious, and I’m grateful for every single moment of this journey. If you’re thinking about studying abroad, do it. It will change your life in ways you can’t even imagie.

Looking back on my abroad journey, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have grown so much as a person and I truly think I have found who I am. I never thought I would enjoy being so independent and on my own, however, I love it. I would recommend this program and this place to everyone, however, I am selfish to say that I truly think you get what you put in to it. I woke up everyday at around 5am and began my day. I truly think I made the most out of my experience and that is something I will never regret. Overall I had the time of my life!

I went through USAC to the Brisbane campus of Griffith University, and it was one of the most fun semesters I've ever had! The program staff were so helpful and knowledgeable at each step of the trip, which really made the process easy. I really enjoyed staying on campus and getting to make new friends, both Australian students and exchange students from all over the world! I appreciated the flexibility of the campus options, though I thought it was silly that you could only study at one when several of the other campuses were only a short bus or shuttle ride away. There was so much to see and so many different experiences close by that there is something for everyone. As an outdoorsy person I loved that the campus backed up to a forest reserve! I loved my time in Australia and met some friends I still keep in constant contact with almost a year later!

I had an amazing time I previously had talked to some friends that were going off of Instagram. Then I met them when I arrived and we haven’t stopped talking since I came. They are now flying over to come and see me again.

I absolutely adored my semester on the gold coast. Living in the student apartments was definitely the way to go, I met so many people my age, and they throw LOTS of fun events. There is a tram that takes you so many places around the city, I definitely didn't feel like I needed a car. The night life is so fun. The best part was how easily I made friends and felt like I meshed in with the local students. The friends I made I will stay in touch with for the rest of my life. I went during the end of February, and the weather was hot, but it was the perfect time to go in my opinion because it started to cool down in about April/May. When I was trying to decide where to go in Australia, I did some research but honestly picking the gold coast was a bit of a guess and hope situation. I am so thankful I picked the gold coast, it was the most perfect environment and best time ever.

My study abroad was an experience I have thought about every single day since I left. I was in the Gold Coast of Australia and it was amazing. Everything about it fit my lifestyle so well; outdoors, activity, beach, fitness, city, and much more! I was able to travel more than I could have ever imagined and experience cultures and lifestyles that have opened my eyes to really appreciate the little things. I was able to grow as an independent individual while also making life long friends. If you are scared to go alone, just do it! I went alone and can easily say it was the best decision I could’ve made for myself!!

Photos

Every day I think about my experience in Australia. Waking up to the waves everyday is the best thing ever. Australia is the best place in the world. The nicest people imaginable and super welcoming. The USAC program helped a lot being super flexible and helping you not just as a group but individually as well.

Photos

This trip was a truly unique, life-changing experience. I studied at Griffith University on the Gold Coast and stayed at the Surfers Century apartments, which I loved. The apartment was new, clean, modern, fully furnished, and beautiful. I had the opportunity to travel to incredible places like New Zealand and Bali. Just this past weekend, I visited Saint Louis to reunite with my study-abroad friends! Through the USAC program and this experience, I made lifelong friendships and experienced significant personal growth.

Photos

I loved going to the Gold Coast. I met such a diverse group of people and had an amazing time living in Australia. Would recommend going during term 1 because it’s not as hot! Loved the location! Plenty of things to do and has public transportation! I had to use USAC through my school and it was the absolute worse. Made apply for school and housing harder than it needed to be. Same with my VISA, class application, getting my housing deposit back etc. Don’t use them!

Photos

At first, I was unsure about studying abroad in general. The financial costs, time away from friends and family, and missing out on events, birthdays, and graduations while being overseas. All of these factors were weighed, and I decided that I wanted to take on a full semester abroad in either Madrid (Spain) or Gold Coast (Australia). The costs for flights, housing, and tuition were roughly the same, which made the decision much more difficult. The deciding factor that ultimately led to choosing the Gold Coast was proximity (or lack there of). Being from the United States, Australia is on the complete opposite side of the world. My thought process was "when will I ever get to be on this side of the world again, or at least anytime soon?". So i decided that Australia was going to be my home from February to June of 2024. When I arrived, it was like a whole new world. Everything was so different, and unique. The architecture, restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, animals and plants were all so different than what I was used to. But that's what makes Australia, and more specifically, the Gold Coast, so special. It's unlike any place I've ever been, and that's what I love about it. And the ultimate cherry-on-top is my apartment. I live about a block from the beach, and have an awesome beach view from the balcony and through each window. Transportation is super easy with a tram that runs directly through all of Gold Coast, connecting you to Griffith University. There is a tram stop right by my apartment complex, and each ride as a student is discounted 50%, which makes each ride roughly $1.50 AUD ($1 USD) which is very affordable. Speaking of Griffith, the university is amazing, and state of the art. As I previously mentioned, the architecture and restaurants are very different here. Griffith is no exception, with abstract architecture and unique restaurants littered all over campus. One thing that is specifically unique to campus is the university bar. Yes, you read that correctly, there is a fully functioning bar at the epicenter of campus. Griffith also has a full sand volleyball, basketball, and tennis court available for all students. Pulling away from academia and to more leisurely activities, I've enjoyed several activities such as surfing, biking, visiting wildlife sanctuaries, snorkeling, and much more. I have also been able to travel to three places while being abroad, visiting Sydney, Australia, Queenstown, New Zealand, and Bali, Indonesia. I still hope to go to Cairns, Australia which is home to the Great Barrier Reef. The point of me mentioning these trips is not to brag, but to demonstrate your traveling potential being In Gold Coast. I could go on and on about everything I've experienced and gotten to do while being in Australia, but I don't want to spoil too much more. My recommendation would be to experience it yourself!

Photos

Studying abroad in Australia was spectacular. It was a life-changing experience that I would urge everyone to do. I had the privilege of living near some of the world's most beautiful beaches. The relaxed pace of life here was exactly the change I needed. The focus on the Gold Coast of Health and Wellness has helped me be more intentional with the time I spend. I have gotten the chance to see wild kangaroos and kolas, scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef, sky dive in Byron Bay, surf at some incredible spots, and travel all around Australia to new cities. Living in Australia allowed me to visit New Zealand to see dolphins in Milford Sound and even to the jungles of Bali. The friendships I have made are ones I will cherish always, and we have even made travel plans for the future. I would highly encourage anyone looking for a change in their life and a memorable experience.

The only way I can describe my time abroad is life changing. I learned so many life skills, made friends from all around the world and traveled so much! Only having school once a week allowed for plenty of time at the beach, pool/hot tub, and endless adventures! If I could study abroad again, I would do it no questions!

Photos

Studying abroad was an amazing experience where I grew a lot as a person while being immersed in another culture. Australia is a beautiful country and Gold Coast is such a happy place. The hardest part of this program was leaving! My advisors were very helpful in helping me prepare to get to Australia. I do wish that USAC would have planned more group activities once there, but there was plenty to do without that.

If you are considering study abroad in Gold Coast, Australia... do it! You will not regret a thing! Griffith University is an amazing campus that is well organized and does everything for and by the students. The academic professors are very involved in their lectures and they are very concerned whether or not their students have learned the material or not. My suggestion is to study abroad early, so you can take the easy courses and not stress too much about the grades. Unfortunately, I did not do this and had to take some more difficult engineering courses. I spent a lot of time studying and going to classes everyday, but I don't regret it. Overall, Gold Coast is a great little city that has plenty of activities for anyone. It has several beaches and outdoor activities to take part in (i.e. surfing, snorkeling, camping, hiking, climbing, etc.) and the city life is pretty nice as well. Public transportation with the Translink Tram is great and affordable for all students, eliminating the need for a bike or car. The accommodations for Griffith University Village was good because of its proximity to campus, but for better housing, you may want to search elsewhere. The GriffithMates club on campus did several day trips to explore the city and its surrounding areas. People in the Gold Coast are very casual and laid back, they dress comfortably and many people are just looking for a good time. I have met so many students from other countries aside from Australia. Gold Coast is really a large mixing pot of other cultures and backgrounds that you can have the chance to meet. Australia is very similar to America in its set-up and culture and modernism. If this is your first time traveling alone and you aren't looking for too much of a change in culture shock, Australia is a great place to start!

There is nothing I recommend more to college students than to study abroad. For me, this was the experience of a lifetime and I wouldn't change it for the world. I studied abroad almost 3 years ago now and have thought about it every day since. The people I met abroad have become some of my closest friends and have supported me throughout the remainder of college and into my adult life. Besides making unforgettable friends, going abroad forces you to become more open minded about other people's cultures, languages, and ways of life. Even though I studied in Australia, I got to meet people from Norway, Germany, Italy, Mexico, France, Sweden, and so many more places that opened my eyes to their lives and experiences. Taking classes abroad helped to expand my learning with different teaching styles and methods. I was able to take the same courses as I would have in the U.S., but had the opportunity to learn in a different environment. I loved my experience abroad and hope that all students get to have such an amazing opportunity as well. Whatever program, whatever country, for however long... JUST GO! It will be the experience of a lifetime.

Photos

I was apprehensive to spend an entire semester abroad because I didn't want to miss out on social/academic/etc. events at my university. The semester I had was unlike anything I've ever been a part of before and surpassed any experience I could have had at my American college. I picked Australia because I wasn't advanced in any other language, so I didn't want there to be a language barrier. I traveled alone because there was not a program directly through my school. I lived in a beautiful apartment on the beach, met amazing friends from all around the world, and saw things I never thought I would. Australia was one of the best experiences of my life. I've been back for almost 5 months and I still think about it every day. The culture and mindset of Australians has shaped my outlook on life for the better. I can't say enough positive things about what the experience taught me and how eager I am to continue travelling the world!

Photos

My time in Gold Coast, Australia was surprising in so many ways; it seemed like life Down Under was surprisingly similar to life back home, which was both good and bad, but every day I would discover something that was so different from life in America. While I am happy I went and made lifelong memories and friends, I was a little disappointed at just how similar life in Oz really is. I was expecting cultural immersion and to learn all about a new country and culture, but the culture shock I did get was from realizing the slightly underwhelming familiarity of everything. If you're looking for a study abroad experience that is a "baby step" to travelling, then Australia is the place! But overall, the university and classes were great, I have amazing friends, and saw amazing things that I won't soon forget!

Australian didn't speak proper English and they don't like other English countries as well. They don't say "You're Welcome" in Australia. The program is good because they have 5-star hotels on the Gold Coast and it's a great opportunity to see amazing hotels and there are good opportunities afterward to go work there. However, it is very expensive.

USAC didn't really do much for us. I never got to meet all of the other students in the program. However, I loved Griffith! There are so many international students. It's great meeting so many people from all over the world.