Koalas, Corals, and Cowboys: The Townsville TEAN Experience

The best decision I have made for myself so far was to go abroad, and I am very happy that I chose TEAN to facilitate this experience for me. From collecting paperwork and forms, to providing packing lists and group flight information, the logistics of my trip and tiime abroad were taken care of. Not only does TEAN get you there, but they also provide experiences around your host school so you can really see what your new home has to offer!
One of my favorite days was a trip to Magnetic Island, which is a 20 minute ferry ride away from Towsville. I saw beutiful beaches and wild koalas, fed and played with lorikeets, and fed some rock wallabies. This day trip was provided for by TEAN to introduce us to the wonderful "Maggie" which I ended up visiting multiple times during my 4 months in Townsville.
James Cook University also is a unique experience from most Australian study experiences because at JCU you live on-campus. The dorm style is similar to US dorms, except you live in single, rather than double rooms. I absolutely loved my time at JCU, and living on-campus allowed me to make friends with several locals, some of which have truly become lifelong friends.
Townsville is a rather small city, but there is plenty to do at the Strand (the local beach), Sunday's Flinders St. Markets, and having dinner at Cactus Jack's. Townsville is definitey a quiter area, however, so if you want a big city atmosphere, I would recommend going to a different university and taking a trip up to Cairns during a free week or long weekend.
The environmental classes on coral reefs and Australian fauna I was able to take were incredible, so I would definitely recommend taking an elective class on the Australian environment or indigenous culture while you are there.
I had an amazing time while I was abroad, and Australia is now a second home to me. TEAN definitely helped to make my experience abroad fantastic and the support the provide while you are there makes you feel safe and secure even though you are miles from home.