Design 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!!

Studying abroad in Sydney with IES Abroad was the best decision I made throughout my time in university. The IES staff was friendly and helpful—it was clear from day 1 that they really care about their students. The activities they organized for us were both fun and unique, and it allowed us to get to know each other well from the start. If you have a concern, they will always do their very best to help you address it, even if it’s technically not in their job description. I always felt comfortable and well taken care of—I knew I had a support system if I ever needed help, which is extremely important when moving to a new place. IES also works with a kind and highly competent psychologist that can help with the transition and any difficult emotions that may arise when moving abroad (and the fee is covered by our insurance). Attending University of Sydney was also a great experience for me. It’s a big school and they have so many different events and communities, which makes it easier to make friends. They have hundreds of clubs, ranging from academic and professional to niche interests. The classes are mostly high quality, and the professors are helpful and good at what they do. I was also able to take a service-learning class while at USYD, with which I went on a 12 day field trip to Northern Queensland to work with an Aboriginal Corporation. This allowed me to learn more about Australia’s complicated history, and to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real life scenarios—as well as make friends for life! Furthermore, I took an internship class at USYD, in which I completed a semester-long internship placement with a company of my choosing. USYD provides many opportunities for students to excel both academically and professionally. Sydney itself is also a great city! There is always something to do, but you can easily escape the big city feel by retreating to more quieter neighborhoods or the surrounding natural environments (beaches, parks, mountains).

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!

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!

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.

Came in knowing little about starting a business. In a single week, I was pitching my business idea to real investors. Best learning experience I have ever undertaken, couldn't recommend something more than this. I also have permanent access to their thriving community of entrepreneurs. A super positive group of people, wouldn't want to miss an opportunity like this

I Love your camaraderie, connections, and insights given by the HEX tutors and alumni. I was not sure at first, But the HEX program gave me the confidence to put myself out there, experience each of a start-up, from ideation to conceptualization, rapid prototyping, user-testing, passing by market research, interviews, surveys. This roadmap for start-up building helped me visualize the journey ahead for me. HEC connected me with founders and experts in their field, we discussed their shortfalls, successes, and sacrifices. I could not recommend the HEX Program enough.

I guess from a personal and emotional perspective, HEX has taught me the value of resilience and powering through something even though it’s hard. Because by the time you come out at the other end, you may just be rewarded with something unexpected (like winning a pitch!). From a skills perspective, I didn’t really consider myself as an entrepreneur, but this program has allowed me to see things from an entrepreneur’s perspective and what it takes to put up a business from ideation to pitching.