The Trip of a Lifetime: AUSTRALIA Past Review
By Robin C (American/United States Studies/Civilization., George Washington University) for
IFSA: Melbourne - Monash University
YES! My study abroad experience helped gain me a broader world view on everything from politics to popular culture to fashion and food.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload differed for my different classes. Some had less work than my American classes, but most were about the same, although it often felt like less because classes were often held only once a week. The Australian grading system took a lot of getting used to before I finally felt somewhat comfortable with it. It wasn't better or worse than the American system, but it was stressful learning a different number and letter grading scale I wasn't used to. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My program (IFSA-Butler) was amazing. I felt fully supported, even on site, when I attended a school (Monash University) with only one other IFSA-Butler student and all the other IFSA-Butler students in Melbourne attended the University of Melbourne. Overall my expectations were not only met, they were exceeded. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a mixture of local Australian students and international students. Residential life at my university was one of my favorite parts of studying abroad. The culture in the dorms was much different (and much more fun, at least for me, the "token American") than my experiences in America. |
| * Food: |
As a vegetarian, the high quantity of meat in Australia was not appreciated, but the prevalence of healthy alternatives was, although they were not always available. Furthermore, the abundance of Asian food was to die for! If ever near Monash University, in the Clayton area, go to the casual Japanese restaurant, Mushi Mushi. I miss it so much! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Through IFSA-Butler, we were brought on trips and to cultural events that were organized, helpful in learning more about Australia and Australian culture, and a lot of fun! They included full day trips to Phillip Island, (with the famous Penguin Parade!) the Yarra Valley (for vineyard tours), a game of Australian Rules Football at the stadium in Melbourne, and a farewell dinner event at a hotel in the city. The IFSA-Butler orientation in Sydney at the beginning of the semester was also all-inclusive, well-organized, educational and fun! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Melbourne, but then again, I did stick to the known safe areas. Thankfully, I did not have any experience with needing healthcare while abroad. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Budget budget budget. Make and save the most money you can before you go, but do not spend it all at once when you first get there. If you wait until later in your time abroad, you will have learned by then what expenses and trips will be most worth your money. |
