Study Abroad in Townsville, Australia with WorldStrides

As someone with a passion for marine science, studying abroad at JCU was an absolute dream. This program is a wonderful fit for students who want to experience biodiversity with people who share the same motivation in one of the greatest places to do so. Before I went abroad, I set a goal to learn the most outside of the classroom, meet new people and enjoy nature while I had such unique access to it. I would say that I accomplished my goals, but the people I met are really what made the difference. I made friends with folks from all over the world, but particularly those in the TEAN Program. Along with our Australian friends, we became a tight-knit group that still talks regularly. We ate dinner together every night, baked banana bread in the residence hall's kitchen, and traveled across Queensland getting to share our love of the ocean with each other. I understand that these experiences don't always turn out as well as they did for my group, but it was hard to come by an exchange student at JCU who didn't enjoy their overall experience. As for academic experiences, I was coming from the Midwest and was pretty intimidated by the high ranking of JCU and my small background in marine coursework. However, that didn't end up being a problem. The people there are quite nice, and you'll meet folks with diverse interest areas that are happy to teach you about it. I got by pretty easily and with solid grades using my previous knowledge of the base sciences. In terms of enrollment, courses were a bit confusing to set up (overlapping course schedules is something JCU allowed, but that was unclear until I arrived). However, I did have a great semester with plenty of field exposure and caring professors, like Mark Hamann. I would definitely recommend trying to maximize the courses with field components and getting out to Orpheus. In terms of safety, Townsville does not have the most stellar reputation though I always felt safer than I did in the States. Ideally, you make friends with someone who has a car to avoid the extra time and walking distance riding the bus in Townsville requires. However, if you want to go on trips within Queensland, a car is a must. Lastly, if you are a diver, take this opportunity to expand your experiences and certifications. The JCU dive club offers more affordable trips and courses - like the Rescue Diver certification course I took. If you're looking for recreational dives, there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the reef, you just have to find a group to go. I'd definitely recommend diving Yongala, though it is on the pricier side. For cheaper diving or just snorkelling, my friends and I went out to Magnetic Island and had loads of fun. Personally, I took a trip to Bali where I got to do more diving, but trust that there is plenty to do in Queensland. Whether it be completing more dive certifications, doing chemistry out on Orpheus Island Research Station or camping in the Daintree Rainforest with friends, I am immensely grateful for my time in Australia. I hope this provides some insight into what the JCU Program can be and that you find the right program for you!

If I were to study abroad for a second time, I would absolutely do it through TEAN again! They were extremely kind and helpful throughout the entire process, from the application to orientation to my return home. TEAN’s orientation in Cairns was both fun and informative as we learned about aspects of daily Australian culture, such as slang, that we would likely be confused by otherwise. They also planned activities throughout the week that were incredible, such as a cultural dinner, an excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, and a trip to get up close and personal with crocodiles, wallabies, and koalas. Orientation was key in helping study abroad students find people who were going to the same school and start making friends. Once in Townsville, TEAN put us in contact with their resident director, who gave us a tour of the campus, planned outings, and was easy to touch base with whenever we had questions. The James Cook University campus was beautiful, with tropical plants and unique Australian wildlife everywhere. Everyone on campus and in the community was very nice and welcoming to international students. When we had to return to the United States early because of the Covid-19 pandemic, TEAN was extremely helpful and easy to communicate with. Thank you TEAN for a great study abroad experience!

Hands down best experience of my life. TEAN had everyone who went through the network meet in cairns where I met people from the states that will then be dispersed all over Australia! This made it SO easy to travel everywhere because you had a tour guide and a place to stay where ever you went! throughout the entire abroad experience TEAN made it so easy and so enjoyable constantly giving me opportunities to explore! I truly miss Australia and the people I met there everyday.

TEAN Abroad is an amazing program to study abroad with. They personally take you on an orientation before classes begin that helps you to better integrate into the culture and learn more about the country that you chose to stay. TEAN Abroad helped me decide to study marine biology in Australia and I will be returning to James Cook University for my Masters degree. No other program could make your experience abroad better! You will never want to leave Australia after traveling with TEAN.

Studying abroad seemed like a crazy idea to me at first but I knew I wanted to do it. I knew that I could do it, but it still scared me a little. I remember thinking at one point during my trip that growing up you meet people who live in your neighborhood and then people who go to your school. Then you go to high school and meet people with similar interests and people from other neighborhoods. Going to college you meet people who have similar goals and interests as you from a lot more neighborhoods. Studying abroad you meet people who are just as crazy as you are. I do mean this in the best way possible. What other experience will put you in a group of people who want to fly to the other side of the world and immerse themselves in a brand new culture? Where else can you find a group of people who are all excited to go diving on the reef or bungee jumping? This experience not only changed my perspective on the world but it also introduced me to people from all over the world who all were there with the same sense of adventure that I had. I traveled in the mindset that everything I was doing was going to be different than what I had done in my life previously, but it was all going to be great. To tell you the truth every minute of it was great, more than great. If I had it all to do over again I wouldn't change anything. I learned a lot more than academics on this trip and it is something that I am going to fondly remember for the rest of my life.

Studying abroad in Australia was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and going through TEAN made the experience easy and stress free. From the moment I started working with them I knew that I was in good hands, and that support doesn't end when you reach Australia. They're there for you from beginning to end. James Cook University is a phenomenal school. The coursework is rigorous but worth the effort, and the field trips are amazing. For two courses I was able to live on a research station on the Great Barrier Reef, and for another I was in the Outback doing kangaroo surveys and catching frogs. Separate from JCU, Townsville is a wonderful city with pristine beaches and tons to do - I couldn't have asked for a better location. Studying abroad with TEAN was absolutely fabulous experience, and I would go back to Australia in a heartbeat.

Studying abroad at JCU was the best decision I've ever made thus far and going through TEAN made the process simple and stress-free. I could email TEAN with any questions and concerns I had about studying abroad and they were very hands on and would always answer as soon as possible before, during, and after going abroad. They help you with booking flights, getting your visa, learning how to get around your host city, and anything else you could possibly need to know. It was very helpful having a Resident Director who worked for TEAN in Townsville because he had studied abroad there before and knew all the ins and outs. TEAN also provides many activities for you to do when you get to your host city. Townsville is quite small and rural, so there aren't many big attractions that you would know of and TEAN did a great job with picking out activities that help you appreciate where you're staying. Some of these included attending a Cowboys rugby game, visiting Reef HQ, and paddle boarding on The Strand. Although Townsville is small, it is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. You can find hiking trails everywhere, especially if you go to Castle Hill or Magnetic Island. TEAN also provides opportunities to travel during semester breaks and weekends. I was lucky enough to participate in their trip to New Zealand which was absolutely perfect. They have other trips to offer as well, but this is the one I took advantage of. I also wanted to add that living on campus was a great decision because I was immersed in the Australian culture and got to meet a lot of Aussies and other international students. Studying abroad has made me a much more independent and open-minded person. You learn a lot about yourself and what you're capable of when you travel halfway across the world without anyone you're familiar with. From this experience, I gained lifelong friends and unforgettable memories that I will keep with me wherever I go in the future. I have been pushed out of my comfort zone on this trip more times than I can recall, and it had made me realize how valuable this is to help you grow as a person. Overall my experience abroad has provided me with the skills and knowledge necessary to keep traveling and experiencing the world.

Studying at JCU was the best decision I have ever made. Townsville is a laid back city with beautiful beaches close to campus, so it was perfect for me. Living on campus in George Roberts Hall made my experience so special because I really got to indulge in the culture and make some really amazing Australian friends that I still stay in touch with. I met other Americans at JCU who did not go through any program to study abroad and they definitely did not have as great of an experience as me. TEAN was super helpful in every step of the process and were always there to answer any questions I had while abroad. They took all the stress out of my experience so I could enjoy it without worry. If I could restart my semester abroad I wouldn’t change a thing, (except maybe extending my stay!). TEAN truly made my time at James Cook University unforgettable!

My time in Australia was truly AMAZING, and I hope anyone reading this is as lucky as I am and gets to experience this beautiful country one day! Here, I was able to take classes on coral reefs and australian fauna, which complemented my Environmental Studies Major nicely. Not only did I get to take interesting classes, but I also lived with the locals and got to know Australians on a more personal level and make friends that will last a lifetime! Athough I will say studying in Townsville, a small city/more rural and quiet area, is not for everyone, it certainly was the right choice for me. From Cowboys League Rugby games, to weekends on Magnetic Island (Maggie for the locals), to field experience on reefs and in the Outback, there was never a dull moment and I truly feel I was able to get the most out of my time in Australia. TEAN was very helpful both during pre-departure and during my time abroad, and the assistance and programs they conducted for us while we were abroad definitely helped to make my experience unforgettable! Thanks TEAN! Academics: I loved all of my classes while I was abroad. I am an Environmental Studies Major and while abroad, I was able to take Australlian Vertebrate Fauna, Functional Biology of Marine Organisms, and Coral Reef Geomorphology. Although I loved the opportunity to take Australia-specific classes, the academic style in Australia is a little different and it was a but difficult to adjust to at first. Once I sat through a few classes though, I found my classes much easier to adapt to. Living Situation: I lived on-campus at JCU in the Western Courts. These are demountable buildings containing single rooms with your own bathroom, fridge, and aircon. I did not have a problem with my room and I found it comfortable. The room was a bit small, but there were other common areas for our hall where we could sociaize and study. Cultural Immersion: I was living with mostly Australians, and most of the friends I made were Australian. I think living on-campus was definitely an advantage in this regard, and now I have lifelong friends that I keep in contact with still! Program Administration: My questions were always answered in a timely manner, and I never had to question whether or not I still needed to hand in paperwork in order to go abroad. TEAN did a great job with the business end of things, which enabled me to fully enjoy my abroad experience.

TEAN was so helpful from the very first time I stepped foot into their office and I am still in contact with them every week. I love how easy they made my trip. Everything I needed to know they helped me with! They arranged all of my group flights, accommodation, food and so much more. It was nice to know that while I was in a foreign country, there was a whole network back at my home country that was there for me every step of the way. They made it very easy to adapt to a different way of life. I suggest anyone and everyone to go abroad because it truly changes you as a person for the better. It really makes you be more independent. I, personally, learned a lot about myself and what is truly important to me. There will never be enough good things I can say about going abroad. It's just one of those decisions you just have to go with, follow your heart and you will never be let down. I promise you will not come home unhappy. I want to go back so bad! Working with TEAN is the right decision to make and the first decision you have to make when choosing to go abroad :)