Australian Studies Study Abroad Programs in Australia & Oceania

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!!

If you had asked me 6 months ago why I chose Australia and, above all, Perth, I couldn't have given you a response. To be honest, I still don't quite know why I made this decision, but now I can tell you with confidence that it was exactly what I needed. Indeed, it was the most intense 5 months of my life, filled with some lifelong memories and relationships. Most of my friends were foreign students whom I met through the multiple bonding activities organised mostly by the FBL committee and the GUILD, or simply through classes. Talking about classes, I'm thankful to all of the teachers I had during the semester, who were the most understanding and helpful people I've ever met in my course. There was never a time when I felt awkward or less than by asking a question or a request to one of them. So to sum up, I don't know exactly what made me choose Curtin over another exchange Uni, yet it was the best decision of my life, and I will forever be grateful to Curtin and Perth for those 5 months. xx