Study Abroad in Gold Coast, Australia with 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!!

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!

I decided to study abroad in Australia due to the environment and how different all the plants and animals are from the rest of the world. TEAN allowed me to not only go abroad but discover all sorts of amazing things in both the environment and in social settings as well. Being able to go to North Stradbroke Island was incredible and set an amazing tone for the rest of my time abroad. Not to mention the orientation in Cairns. I got to cross two things off my bucket list in the first week of being in Australia: seeing the Great Barrier Reef and skydiving! I got to meet people from all over the world during my time in the Gold Coast, as well as make lifelong friends with locals. The people there are so incredibly friendly, it would a challenge to not make friends while there. I absolutely loved my experience, and it has left me with the desire to go back as soon as I can.

My semester at Bond University in Australia was an incredible experience that combined learning, adventure, and personal growth. The small class sizes and supportive professors made it easy to stay engaged, and I loved how the coursework connected to real-world situations. Beyond academics, Bond’s location on the Gold Coast meant I could spend my free time exploring amazing beaches, trying new foods like kangaroo and crocodile, and soaking in Australia’s unique culture. I also had the chance to travel to places like Auckland, Sydney, Perth, Uluru, Cairns, and Melbourne which were unforgettable. Living abroad taught me so much about being adaptable, stepping out of my comfort zone, and seeing the world from a new perspective—all while making lifelong friends. If you’re thinking about studying abroad, I couldn’t recommend Bond University more!

I went abroad to Gold Coast, Australia in spring of 2024, and I had the absolute best time. I saw new animals (lots of kangaroos!!) and visited all new places. I got to travel throughout Australia, and I even made it to parts of Asia and New Zealand which were amazing. I met amazing people from all different backgrounds and made some lifelong friends. The places that I got to travel to were absolutely breathtaking. And the beaches on the Gold Coast were unreal. If you are planning on going abroad, TEAN is a great program to go through! They are super supportive, and will help you all throughout the process. Overall, I cannot recommend going abroad enough!

I was consumed by anxiety as I prepared to embark on my Australian adventure. Yet, the experience transcended all expectations, emerging as the most extraordinary period of my life. I forged an enduring friendship with an individual who I am still close with. The privilege of exploring Australia's rich history through dedicated coursework was an invaluable opportunity. Each sunrise, I reveled in the spectacle of sunrise as I ran along the coast. Residing on campus facilitated unforgettable encounters with a diverse array of locals. My time in Australia is an irreplaceable treasure, and I implore everyone to seize the chance to study abroad there.

From the orientation at the Great Barrier Reef to the nonstop laughs in the dorms, I truly had the best time on the Gold Coast with TEAN. Writing this review makes me want to book another flight back. My two onsite trip leaders were great resources and very helpful when it came to acclimating to an entirely different country. Australia is an amazing country, but I believe it's the people who make the place. This program came with the best people and let me meet the greatest people. Go start your adventure!

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...

My semester abroad in Australia was one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life. I had the privilege of meeting people from all over the world, and being immersed in Australian culture as well as others that had moved there as well. I would do it all over again and would recommend this to anyone who wanted to do it

I was able to study abroad through the TEAN program in Australia even when I thought it wouldn't be possible, and I'm beyond grateful for that. It was my dream to study abroad in Australia and the whole experience was insane!! Bond University is an amazing place for meeting many different people. I made best friends for life here. The Gold Coast is a super convenient location to travel around Australia and I was able to visit Byron Bay, Sydney, Tasmania, and more. I loved the classes as well, I wish I could've taken them all. I also appreciate TEAN's flexibility throughout the application process.

Studing abroad at Griffith University was the greatest decision of my entire life. Going through the TEAN organization was a blessing. TEAN is the way to do it, they offer immediate friends, support, and guidance. Without the TEAN program and the staff, my experience would have been lessened. I cannot express how incredible this experience was and I cannot recommend the TEAN program enough. The Gold Coast of Australia is such a beautiful place. The community is very welcoming and the city is great for new cultural activities. It is also close to Sydney and Melbourne if you're interested in a quick weekend there!

Studying abroad with TEAN was just as life changing as they talk about during orientation. Obviously moving across the world with no one you know can be intimidating, however not once did I feel alone. They do an amazing job at introducing you to the new culture and world while also providing an environment to build friendships and a new sense of adventure. When talking about my experience abroad the best word to describe it was surreal. There was so much to see and do, yet that only enhanced my confidence in travel and independence.

I absolutely LOVED my TEAN experience studying abroad at Bond University in Gold Coast, Australia!!! The trip started out with an amazing TEAN orientation the week prior to the start of classes where I got to SCUBA dive on the Great Barrier Reef, skydive, and hold a koala bear at a wildlife sanctuary! Bond University’s campus is in the perfect location to take advantage of all that the Gold Coast has to offer! A number of famous Australian beaches, a huge shopping center, and tons of cultural restaurants were just a bus ride away! Whether or not you decide to plan any extra trips to other parts of Australia or other countries, you will find that there is so much to do near the Gold Coast alone! The natural landscape is so stunning and lush that you will want to be a part of it - there is ample opportunity to take surfing lessons, go on long hikes, visit breathtaking waterfalls, or just grab a book to read on the beach! An excursion to Sydney is a must! While there, I visited the world famous Sydney Opera House and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Just a short bus ride over to the beach, I spent a day over at Bondi Beach, where the Bondi Icebergs Pool is located. Allegedly the most photographed pool in the world, the Bondi Iceberg Pool, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean, is an unbelievable sight. With the ocean waves splashing over into the pool, my swim in this pool was a highlight of my trip that I wish everyone could experience. All of these experiences could not have been possible without TEAN. My TEAN leaders were so welcoming and personable and were available throughout the semester if we needed help or just wanted to chat. I found the TEAN weekly Coffee Chats, optional field trips, and the variety of other activities to be impressive. While adapting to a new culture and environment, it was comforting to know that they were just a text or call away and were available to address any of my questions or needs. I made so many friends from all over the world and learned so much both inside and outside the classroom. TEAN knew exactly how to set my classmates and me up for success in Australia - I could not recommend an experience more!

My time abroad with TEAN at Griffith University in the Gold Coast, Australia was most likely the most fun and pivotal experience in my life thus far. This program allowed me to travel to and live in Australia, a country filled with culture, beautiful scenery, famous landmarks, and plenty of nature. TEAN allowed me to fulfill my lifelong passion of traveling the world while still working toward my education as well. TEAN’s support during the planning, moving, and living stages of my time abroad was also a great resource that contributed to the quality of my time down under. They had great staff always willing to help solve a problem and give recommendations for traveling. They also held great events including our program to help us meet our fellow travellers and get immersed in the Australian continent and culture. This program showed me how important it is to take steps out of your comfort zones and to follow your dreams and goals, even if working toward them may seem daunting at first. Overall, I fulfilled my passion for traveling, learning about new cultures, meeting new people, and continuing my education while abroad with TEAN. I will never forget the experiences I had and the memories I made during this trip.

Going to the Gold Coast in Australia was the best experience of my life. I had so much fun and met so many new people. I especially loved being able to experience the nature and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef the very first week I arrived. Seeing all of the animals native to the country is something I will never forget. Gold Coast is the perfect location because of its many beaches and superior schooling. It also has a vibrant nightlife. I had the best time ever living on the Gold Coast. If you have the ability to study here, do it!

TEAN is and was an amazing program. They were so helpful and friendly and really wanted each student to have the best experience possible. TEAN is a great study abroad program that encouraged academic learning as well as exploring the area by immersing yourself in the culture. They offered many resources and were wonderful at communicating to make sure your experience was everything you dreamed of. TEAN did a great job teaching us the local language, types of food that are popular, as well as the do's and don'ts. Everyone in the area and at university was welcoming and friendly and excited to get to know us as much as we were excited to meet them and other locals. TEAN did a good job making everyone in the program comfortable and at ease with the social and cultural integration. Studying abroad is 100% worthwhile. The experience allows you to gain independence and a sense of freedom to live each and every day to how you see fit. I gained new knowledge and different perspectives from attending university. I met new people from across the states as well as locals that I still call friends. I think everyone should study abroad because its an experience that you cant explain but highly recommend!

TEAN was the best decision that I made while choosing to study abroad. This program helped me through the study abroad process every step of the way. They sent FAQ's every step of the way and had open lines of communication at all times. The first week in Australia this program set up and "introductory week" where we had fun excursions and learned more about the Australian culture. This included scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef and a dinner learning about the Aboriginal culture. The program had fun activities throughout the semester that I was have not sought out by myself. I loved learning to surf and the fun dinners that were planned. We had mentors that were available whenever we needed assistance and helped us adapt to our host country. I met so many great people through this program that I consider best friends today. I also loved this programs sustainability initiatives!

This was my second semester abroad in Australia. Even on my second time around, TEAN was beyond helpful and helped me figure out tips and tricks for my new location. The friends I've made over the past semester (both local and international) are people that I know I will be talking to for many years to come. Even with COVID hitting right at the beginning of the semester, TEAN was on top of things keeping us up to date and letting us know what was going one at all times. I really am glad I decided to go through TEAN, and I am really happy I decided to go through them again for my second semester abroad.

This study abroad experience to the Gold Coast of Australia was definitely one of my greatest experiences I've had. TEAN was super helpful and was able to help me make dreams of traveling to Australia possible. The administration and advisors were very helpful in making my experience mine. Griffith University is a very diverse and welcoming campus that hosts people from all over the world. I was able to meet some of my Australian mates there and they are people that I still stay in touch with today. The overall vibe of the Gold Coast was very welcoming and relaxing. Everyone that I had run into would want to strike a conversation and get to know me more. I was able to branch out and learn more about myself and a new culture that I had always wanted to see for myself. I truly believe that there is no better place to study abroad at due to how happy and welcoming everyone is.