Activities / Immersion
Our local staff arrange various activities during the semester designed to help immerse you into the local culture. These activities are included in your semester program. In addition, if you have a specific interest or hobby, your Gold Coast-based TEAN Resident Director will be able to point you in the right direction. Below are examples of previous activities arranged for students. Note that activities change each semester.
In addition to the TEAN-organized events, to make sure you don’t miss out on any opportunities, our local staff send out frequent emails letting you know what is happening on the Gold Coast. Ranging from community events to music festivals, we tap you into the local culture right from the start.
Learn to Surf
You can’t come to the Gold Coast and not hit the surf! We get the experts to teach you. After the lesson, Cheyne Horan – ex-world surfing champ and current Australian SLS champion – takes you to the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) to meet some locals, introduce you to the SLSC culture in Australia and explain why it is so important to Australians.
Rugby League Game
Come and cheer for the Gold Coast Professional Rugby League Team – The Titans. You have to catch this game and see this professional Australian sport in all its glory!!
Coffee Breaks
While the Gold Coast is all about the outdoors, Australians still enjoy their fabulous coffee. We follow their lead and meet up for coffee and cake (or a warm caramel infused doughnut) at various times during the semester. This is a great opportunity to catch up with your Resident Director.
Optional Excursions
During the semester, you’ll be busy with class and exploring your local area on the weekends. With this in mind, TEAN encourages students to get to know Australia better or travel to even more exotic destinations with excursions organized during school breaks. Participating in these excursions will depend on your program dates and semester abroad.
Sydney Weekender
From the world famous blue water and white sands of Bondi Beach to the iconic Opera House & Harbour Bridge, this adventure is the perfect way to experience the diversity of Sydney. During your long weekend, you will get a birds eye view of the city from the Sydney Tower Eye, explore the Botanical Gardens, hit the waves with a surf lesson, cruise along the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, and enjoy a spectacular dinner cruise on Sydney Harbor, and so much more. This weekend, designed to expose you to the life of a Sydneysider, will leave you wanting more of Australia’s largest city!
Read More
Byron Weekender
The laid-back coastal city of Byron Bay is paradise for those who want to experience a vibrant and eclectic community of people and beautiful beaches. Surfing is a favorite past time for the locals and tourists alike. Students will have the opportunity to kayak with the dolphins, visit a local organic farm, and check out the farthest eastern point of Australia and the famous Byron Bay lighthouse.
Read More
Fiji Excursion
The name “Fiji” conjures up images of lazy days in a tropical paradise and breathtaking sunsets. Scratch beneath the surface and you’ll also find some of the loveliest people to complement the stunning landscape. An optional excursion exclusively for TEAN Bond students, take advantage of this pre- or post-semester trip.
Read More