Conservation & Preservation Study Abroad Programs in Australia

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 Sydney with CIEE was such an amazing experience. The staff were incredibly friendly, approachable, and always willing to help, especially when I was feeling a bit alone or just wanted something fun to do. The program itself is fantastic; there’s so much to do and explore in Sydney, and being at UNSW made it easy to take advantage of everything. Overall, it’s such an energizing and supportive environment, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to study abroad in Sydney!

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!!

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.

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.

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!

I have loved this experience! Being abroad with a supportive helpful group was such a game changer, I was so nervous traveling abroad alone for the first time and the CIEE staff and other participants have helped it be a super smooth transition and trip:)

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!

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!

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.

I had one of the greatest times in my life going on a Pacific Discovery trip. It was incredible and I learned more about myself then I ever imagined I would. Rach and Scotty led the trip and they were amazing guides and teachers. I have always highly recommended this type of trip to students who might feel stuck in college or not sure what to do. The trip will open up your eyes to new experiences, cultures, and make you think about how to live your life in a more adventurous way. Wish I could do it all over again and experience everything I did again for the first time. Cheers, Gregg Starr

Pacific Discovery planned out the trip incredibly, and everything we did was mind-blowing. The trip really allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and experience new things that I definitely would not be able to do at home. The program also really allowed me to explore myself as a person in a way that I never have before. I felt like I really grew through all the activities we did and through any hardships that we had (we had very few though). Overall, I had the time of my life and learned so much, especially with two incredible instructors, Beth and Stacey.

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!

Studying abroad in Perth, Australia for a semester was truly a trip of a lifetime! I did everything from taking a surf lesson, exploring the city, and taking a 10 day outback trip. AIFS was completely there along the way, from pre-departure to when it came time to leave. We had an onsite AIFS representative, who took us on a few outings, gave us advice, and helped us with adjusting to a new culture. With AIFS I was even able to participate in a week long Pacific Studies course taught in Fiji, prior to Australia. Perth and the surrounding areas had a great public transportation system, which we all used to get around to the beaches, grocery stores, etc. It had a great nightlife and plenty to do during the day, as well. Murdoch University also had some great things for international students, such as some optional excursions which included the outback trip, a trip to Rottnest Island, and a local animal conservatory. Overall, I am so thankful I went through AIFS. I made so many memories and never felt alone along the way.

Studying abroad in Australia was the best decision I ever made and I am glad I went through AIFS. AIFS was very receptive when it came to pre-departure information and class registration. I loved having an AIFS representative right on campus, who was super knowledgeable and friendly. She scheduled a few activities during the semester for us, which was included in the program. My favorite was the Brazilian Barbeque. Perth is the perfect city for college students. It is small, yet has loads of eateries and nightlife options. King’s Park offers is nature retreat that gives a spectacular view of the city. I will never forget my first time there and seeing breathtaking Perth. Public transportation is clean, cheap and easy, especially when you register through a university to get a student discount. Perth is very close to the beach as well, so there are things to enjoy for all types of people. Although it is the most remote capital city in the world, I never felt at a loss of things to do. Studying abroad is a must. If you are feeling skeptical, check out AIFS and see the programs they have to offer. I do not think you will be disappointed.