Earth Sciences 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 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!

Seriously, these months were the best of my life so far. Melbourne is an amazing city, and I think a lot of people don't consider it as much as other Australian places, but for me I feel like it had everything I could've wanted. There's so much art and good food, and there's always something to do. I attended the University of Melbourne, and the courses that I took were on the easy side, largely because I was doing what would count towards Gen Ed at my home university. The people in Australia are so friendly and lovely, and I felt very safe there, even in the middle of the CBD. I can't wait to go back someday. Make the most of your time there, or anywhere abroad!

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!

IFSA provided me the grounds in order to learn how to live independently in Wollongong, Australia. With caring and committed advisors, I felt as though I had a home away from home while being abroad on the other side of the world. This was such a rewarding experience and one I wouldn't trade for the world- I learned so many things about the world, myself, met new friends, took different courses, travelled on my own to different parts of Australia and none of that would be possible without the guidance of IFSA.

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.

The 5 day sprint program is an intense, collaborative, and an unmatched experience. It gives you an opportunity to not only build on your start-up idea but also to connect with industry experts that can provide the much needed validation and advice. This program introduces you to several techniques to refine and validate your idea. HEX's staff is very supportive and makes sure that every minute you spend is worthwhile. To sum up, this program is a great way to network and grow personally.

HEX was a powerful experience. It's a unique program structure, building an idea from scratch and pitching it with the help of inspiring mentors. Not to mention the exciting social and networking events where I made new friends and connected with amazing minds from all over the world. This is where an aspiring entrepreneur's journey begins.