American exchange student going to Australia?
I plan on going to Brisbane or the Gold Coast for a year for an exchange student program. I'm from Portland Oregon, what are some differences between the two places? Anything about Brisbane or the Gold Coast will help. Thank you.
Studying Abroad - 3 Answers
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1 :
There aren't really that many differences. Brisbane is just more of a typical city. So it has more shops, more events, more city-stuff, so to speak. It's probably a better place if you actually want to study hard or make connections and all that kind of stuff. It's probably got a lot more variety than the Gold Coast regarding people, things to do and see, and different scenes to get into. The Gold Coast is kind of designed for tourism and holidays, so it's a really fun place, with lots of entertainment. It's really beautiful, great beaches, really "fun" atmosphere and good nightlife etc. At the same time, it can be annoying how tourist-y it is. It's also quite a bit smaller than Brisbane. It really depends what you want to get out of your trip. I'd advise you go to Brisbane. It's just more complete and more diverse. The Gold Coast is amazing but the novelty wears off after a while when you live there. Remember also, the two cities are only a train ride apart. So you should go and spend some time on the Gold Coast; visit Surfer's Paradise and the theme parks, etc.
2 :
They are both very close together (around an hour by car or train). Brisbane has 2 million people, the Gold Coast has about 700,000. The Gold Coast is far more tourist-oriented than Brisbane, it is compared by many to Miami. There is lots of nightlife and entertainment, but it is very expensive and the transit system is terrible. Brisbane is much larger, but lacks the tourist vibe of the Gold Coast. There is still entertainment and nightlife available in and around the city centre, but it is more suburban. The transit system is much better in Brisbane, too.
3 :
Like the other two posters said, if you want to really experience life as a local with locals, Brisbane might be your best bet. But then again, everybody has their own style of living. Also, Queensland people have the thickest Aussie accents you will ever find lol. My cousin who lives in Australia said that the Gold Coast was beautiful! But then again, what part of Australia isn't? :) If you can't decide, just do what I have been doing for the past 3 hours: Google street view it. Have a lot of fun on your trip! EDIT: I haven't been google viewing YOUR answer for 3 hours. I was googling my own lol.
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