Studying abroad is the best decision I have ever made. I grew up in Southern California and wanted a similar vibe, so I chose to study in the Gold Coast, Australia through KEI. The Gold Coast exceeded every expectation I had. I decided to study abroad extremely last minute, but UTC’s study abroad office and KEI helped me through the entire process. I ultimately chose to go abroad because I felt stuck in my routine at home and was ready for change.
People were most shocked when I told them I wasn’t going with anyone I knew and that I’d be gone for four months. Looking back, going alone was one of the best parts of the experience — and honestly, I could’ve stayed longer.
There was one other girl from the U.S. in my program, and we ended up rooming together. Another group, SIA, lived in our apartment building, and our programs merged. This is how I met two of my best friends. We were determined to make the most of our time abroad, and we did exactly that. We met so many amazing people who I will stay connected with forever. Griffith University hosts a large international student community, which made it easy to make friends. Everyone was friendly, outgoing, and adventurous. We spent our days exploring, going out together, and swimming at sunrise. When people ask me now what my favorite part of studying abroad was, I always say the people. I made more memories and friendships in four months than I ever had before. Our friendgroup now includes people from all over the world — the U.S., Australia, Germany, Mexico, Canada, France, Norway, and the U.K.
During our time in Australia, we wanted to visit neighboring countries as well. We traveled to New Zealand and Indonesia. In New Zealand, we explored the North Island and then
road-tripped through the South Island. I went on the most beautiful hikes of my life and even got to snowboard with an incredible view. Visiting Milford Sound, dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” was unreal. Before finals, we took a trip to Bali, Indonesia, staying in Seminyak and Ubud. We visited the Sacred Monkey Forest, rice terraces, countless temples, ate incredible food, and met the kindest locals. Both countries were breathtaking.
Within Australia, I visited Sydney, Brisbane, Byron Bay, the Whitsundays, Moreton Bay, Uluru and of course, the Gold Coast. Sydney was amazing — I loved Bondi and Manly. Clubbing and shopping in Brisbane is unmatched. Byron Bay made the perfect day trip; the walk up to the lighthouse was stunning, and jumping into the ocean afterward was perfect. In the Whitsundays, we had a boat day to Whitehaven Beach and saw the iconic swirling sand. We also snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef. It was such a peaceful escape. In Moreton Bay, I sandboarded, snorkeled, and kayaked. It’s a great place to go with a big group, and the staff makes the experience even better. Uluru was the last trip I went on and one of my favorites. I walked around Ayers Rock, rode a camel, and learned more about the Aboriginal Culture.
But the Gold Coast will always be my favorite. I consider it a home and the people there family. Along with making lifelong friends, I surfed, went skydiving, and spent every morning waking up to the ocean.
I think everyone should experience Australia at some point. I matured, learned so much about myself and what I want my future to look like, and met so many people with new perspectives on life. My time abroad was unforgettable, and I can’t wait to go back and visit all my favorite places and people.
Elliot Crecy (BS Marketing) spent the Fall 2025 semester studying abroad in Gold Coast, Australia with KEI. Elliot had the following to say about studying abroad, “Studying abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. Going alone ended up being the thing that helped me grow the most. If you’re considering it, do it. You’ll meet amazing people and learn more about yourself than you expect.“
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