Designed for all students, this semester, academic-year or calendar-year program allows students to take courses in a variety of areas related to their field of study at Bond University on the Gold Coast of Australia. Potential course offerings include classes in business, communications, health science, humanities, and much more. Bond University is the first private, not-for-profit university in Australia, offering a personalized academic environment and student body of approximately 4,200. Bond is the only Australian university that offers a trimester year, allowing students to enroll in a study abroad program in January, September, and in some cases, May.

The University of Iowa partners with The Education Abroad Network (TEAN) to offer students the opportunity to study at Bond University on the Gold Coast of Australia. Students from the University of Iowa join others from around the world on this program. University of Iowa students earn transfer credit for this program.

Academic Program

Academic Departments and Schools at Bond University are divided into academic divisions: Architecture; Business; Communication; Creative Media; Health Sciences & Medicine; Humanities & Global Studies; Law; Property & Sustainable Development; and Social Sciences.

Courses (called "subjects" at Bond) are available in a wide variety of disciplines.

Students enroll in 3-4 subjects per semester (30-50 Bond credits, usually equivalent to 12-16 sh).

Course schedules are determined by Bond University. The academic culture and schedule may be different than you are used to here in the United States, so be sure to discuss advice for the transition with your study abroad advisor.

Course Levels:

• 100-level is the equivalent of a 2000-level/sophomore level U.S. course.
• 200-level is the equivalent of a 3000-level/junior level U.S. course.
• 300 level is the equivalent of a 4000-level/senior level U.S. course. (Note: these courses require a high level of competency and you will most likely need to fulfill numerous prerequisites).
• 400-level + courses are graduate level and, for the most part, are not open to study abroad students.

Course Enrollment Process

• Go to the Bond University online course catalog.
• Search by subject keyword or filter by area of study.
• Note: In order to comply with your student visa, you may only take one online course during the semester.
• Once you identify 6-8 courses that match your criteria, enter them into your TEAN application under “TEAN Course Selection”.
• Courses will be approved by Bond University once TEAN submits your application materials for review. The courses uploaded into your TEAN Course Selection form are preliminary; they are not binding in any way. The sooner you can complete your TEAN form, the sooner Bond University can review your selections.

How to Find Courses

The Bond University course enrollment process is very layered. Your courses must be approved by Bond University before you can be enrolled in them and it can take 4-6 weeks for courses to be approved. Students are encouraged to have 6-8 courses approved by the University of Iowa and Bond University before the enrollment period begins a couple months before departure. Follow the below steps to begin exploring potential coursework.

For updated course offerings, descriptions, and syllabi, visit TEAN's program webpage and visit Bond University's online course catalog.

Cultural Activities

Orientation

TEAN’s exclusive “Welcome Abroad” Orientation Program takes place in Cairns in the north of Australia, famous for its tropical setting and access to the Great Barrier Reef. Your Australia Orientation is designed to set you up for a successful semester by introducing you to the local culture and academics while you get to know your soon-to-be friends and have an exciting journey in the process. On the final day of Orientation, students travel to their host city, where they are met by their local TEAN Resident Director and introduced to their housing and local area.

Cultural Activities

Students, depending on programs dates and semester abroad, may participate in optional excursions. Travel plans may include four pre- pr post-semester days spent relaxing, kayaking and sunning in Fiji and/or a weekend trip to Melbourne, Australia where past students have explored the city's hidden gems and been introduced to the sporting culture of Aussie Rules Football.

TEAN staff also arrange a wide assortment of cultural immersion activities throughout the semester. Past activities have included surf lessons and an introduction to a local surf club facilitated by a world surfing champion, joining local audiences in cheering for the Gold Coast Professional Rugby League Team and coffee get-togethers.

Program Dates

Fall: Mid-August to mid-December

Spring: Early January to mid-April

Winter and Summer programs are not available.

For exact program dates, visit TEAN's program webpage.

For more information

 

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application with TEAN, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa. 
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive  program application instructions.

  

 

Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319-335-0353
Email: study-abroad@uiowa/edu

 

Bond University

Established in 1989 as Australia's first private, not-for-profit university, the institution is known for its excellent academic programs in business, health sciences, and more, as well as its high ratings for positive student experience. Located in the bright suburb of Robina, Bond is just a 15-minute bus ride from world-famous Gold Coast beaches. With a student body of just over 4,000, Bond boasts Australia's lowest student to staff ratio, with a proportion of 11 to 1. Almost 50% of the student population is made up of international students from over 70 different countries. TEAN participants have access to a uniquely designed campus consisting of sandstone buildings surrounding a lawn-edged lake.

Gold Coast

The city of Gold Coast, on Australia's east coast, 50 miles south of Brisbane, has a population of almost 600,000. While the appeal of the warm weather and beautiful beaches is undeniable, studying abroad on the Gold Coast will make you realize that there is a lot more to this region than just the beach—though it’s true that Bond University is only 15 minutes away from some of Australia's finest! The city is a popular travel destination well known for its high-rise filled skyline, thriving nightlife and gorgeous natural surroundings. The Gold Coast hinterland is home to two of Queensland’s best national parks, where you can hike your way through lush rain forest to pristine mountain pools before heading to catch one of the best surf breaks on the coast at Burleigh Heads.

Australia

Australia is home to some of the globe's most stunning and recognizable World Heritage Sites, such as the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park and Uluru. Its major cities, including Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, regularly rank among the most liveable and safe destinations in the world, and for good reason. Australia has a well-earned reputation not only for its beautiful environment and sunny days, but also for the sunny disposition of its hospitable locals. Beyond surfing, kangaroos and coffee, Australia is also well known for its robust healthcare and technology industries, as well as its rich arts and culture scene, which encompasses everything from Aboriginal art, to contemporary dance companies, to classical opera. A world leader in environmental conservation, with over 500 national parts and 2,700 nature conservation areas, you'll always be near an adventure.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

TEAN students participating in this program have three housing options: Bond University dorms, apartments adjacent to campus or a highrise on the beach. Students will have their choice of housing and will work directly with TEAN to secure their choice. The cost of accommodation will be paid directly to TEAN. The cost of the housing options varies greatly. Please be aware of your budget for housing when picking one of the three options.

Bond University Dorms

Students can choose to be fully immersed within campus life by living in Bond University dorms alongside other international and local students. Students are generally allocated to a shared, two-person bedroom with a shared bathroom, although some single rooms may be available or assigned to students. Internet, air-conditioning and linens are provided, although towels are not. Shared laundry facilities are located in each dorm. Rooms are serviced weekly.

For on-campus students a dining hall plan is compulsory. There are three options available for dining hall plans at various price points; each plan is valid for one semester only and can be topped up as necessary. Your student ID is used as a dining card and can be used at Bond University's on-campus food and dining outlets throughout the day. From the dorms, it is about a 20 to 30 minute bus ride to local beaches and various nightlife.

Campus-Adjacent Apartments

Students can choose to live in apartments that are about a five minute walk from the center of campus. All apartments are fully furnished and amenities include a swimming pool, BBQ facilities and a gym. Internet is available at an additional cost. Most units have a washer and dryer; if not, students must use the paid machines at the local laundromat. Students can anticipate either a shared or single bedroom, depending on availability.

Meals are not included, although off-campus students may choose to load funds onto their student ID and use it as a dining card at Bond University's on-campus food and dining outlets throughout the day. From the apartments, it is about a 20 to 30 minute bus ride to local beaches and various nightlife.

Beach Highrises

These apartments are located in Broachbeach, just a short walk from some of Australia's most spectacular beaches, as well as cafes, shopping venues and restaurants. All apartments are fully furnished and include a television, access to a coinless laundry in each apartment, linens, WiFi and access to a weekly cleaning service. They also include resort style facilities, such as a gym, an outdoor pool, an indoor heated pool, a sauna, a spa and a personal theater. All bedrooms are shared and each apartment accommodates four students. These apartments are a 20-25 minute commute to Bond University by bus.

Meals are not included. Meals are not included, although off-campus students may choose to load funds onto their student ID and use it as a dining card at Bond University's on-campus food and dining outlets throughout the day.

For more information about housing options on the Gold Coast with TEAN, please see the following link: TEAN Gold Coast Housing Information.

Passport

If you do not have a passport, it is important that you apply for one as soon as possible to ensure you receive it before the program begins. US citizens can find more information about how to apply for a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Important notice for students without a valid passport or whose passport will expire within the next 12 months:

US citizens can find more information about how to renew a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. If your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated date of return to the US, you must renew your passport before applying for the visa you will need to enter your host country.

Expedited processing service is available for US passports (although this still takes several weeks and is at an additional cost). UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-US Citizens

Students who are not US citizens should contact their consulate for more information if they need to get a new passport or renew their passport.

Travel Arrangements

Students may either book the group flight itinerary through TEAN or book flights independently. Participants are responsible for being at the orientation site on time. Orientation is typically in a different city from the program location. As such student will not usually be flying directly to their host city.

Local Transportation

There is excellent public transportation in Gold Coast. There are buses that depart from the downtown/beach area to the campus on a regular basis. In addition to buses, there are trains, light rails and trams that service the city.

Eligibility

This program is open to UI students who fulfill the following requirements:

• Minimum 2.5 UI GPA: Students must have at minimum a 2.5 UI GPA to participate in this program.
• Minimum sophomore standing at a four-year institution: Minimum sophomore standing at a four-year institution, such as the University of Iowa, at the time of participation.
• Good academic and disciplinary standing: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who, even after being accepted into a program, are put on either academic and/or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad. In these cases, students must forfeit their acceptance, will not be allowed to study abroad, and are wholly responsible for any and all financial expenses incurred.

Cost

The most recent cost sheet for the program is included below. The cost sheet outlines the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid and planning purposes. It includes fees charged on students’ U-Bill (TEAN program fee, Study Abroad Administrative Fee, and mandatory Iowa Regents CISI Travel Insurance), as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic. Please see the respective websites for further details. Contact the designated UI Study Abroad advisor with questions regarding the cost sheet.

Cost Sheets

Cost Sheet for TEAN Bond University, Fall 2024

Cost Sheet for TEAN Bond University, Spring 2025

Scholarships & Financial Aid

For more information about receiving financial aid while studying abroad, please review the following:UI Financial Aid Information

You can find more information about options for funding your study abroad experience including scholarships on Undergraduate Scholarships for Study Abroad. UI students may also qualify for TEAN Affiliate Scholarships.

In addition, take a look at TEAN’s Scholarship website  

How to Apply

Interested students should make an appointment with the designated UI Study Abroad advisor for Australia to discuss the program and the application process. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 319-335-0353. During the appointment, the advisor will provide full application instructions. Note: Application materials will not be reviewed unless a student has already met with the advisor to discuss the program.

The application process consists of the following steps:

• Complete the UI Online Application for Study Abroad. Applicants will be charged a $50 non-refundable application fee and a TEAN $100 application deposit. As part of the UI Online Application for Study Abroad, applicants will need to upload a copy of their passport picture page, a list of courses to take while abroad, and a statement of purpose.

• Complete the TEAN Online Application.

Post Acceptance

After the application cycle has finished, students will receive an email, an acceptance letter, and more information about accepting their place in the program as well as information on applying for visas and purchasing plane tickets.

Application Deadlines

• Spring Semester: September 24
• Fall Semester: March 15

Health & Safety Planning

In addition to submitting their Confirmation of Participation form, students should review the following:

Prepare for Departure

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travel form with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Visa

US passport holders must obtain a student visa from Australia in order to participate in this program. US passport holders should follow the visa application instructions provided by TEAN. Non-US passport holders should consult with TEAN regarding their visa requirements.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months after the conclusion of your semester to satisfy Australia’s entry requirements. TEAN and the UI Study Abroad staff can provide some assistance and advising on the visa application process, but ultimately the individual traveler (the student) is the person who is responsible for providing correct information on the visa application and securing the visa and all other required documentation prior to travel.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These are in addition to TEAN's pre-departure and onsite orientations. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs online “Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation” course distributed through ICON prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.

Program-Specific Orientation

This orientation will be facilitated by your study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one depending on your type of planned activity abroad. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory session after you have been accepted to the program.

In-country Orientation

TEAN provides a pre-semester orientation program in Cairns, Australia. After the TEAN orientation, students will depart for their respective campuses, and will partake in an orientation program on their host university's campus.

There are no photos available for this program yet. Do you have any photos to share with us? If you do, please contact us at:

1111 University Capitol Centre
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1802
USA

Phone: (319) 335-0353
Fax: (319) 335-0343
E-mail: study-abroad@uiowa.edu