Melbourne For The Win Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The University of Melbourne is one of the top universities in Australia and the world (there were giant banners around campus displaying this- apparently they are quite proud!) and my classes were very interesting. I would recommend selecting classes that are unique to what is offered at your home university. For example, I was interested in Australian media and filmmaking, so I took some courses focusing on those areas that wouldn't be available at Tufts, as well as some Australian history courses. The professors were all surprisingly extremely accessible, and the tutorials (same as recitations, sections, etc) helped create a personalized environment in some of the larger lectures.

On-site administration of your program

Butler provides an amazing network, with what seemed like a 24 hour VIP safety line and endless resources to make each individual feel acclimated and answer any questions/concerns. Each city also has a representative who is there to serve as a resource. Our Melbourne leader had frequent meeting times where she provided snacks and checked in with the students.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a residential college, University College, located right on the edge of campus. UC is modeled after Oxford's college system, which was a great decision because it allowed me to live with other Australian students and become integrated in their culture. The alternative that Butler offers is student apartments with other Americans. While fun, I feel like that housing option would have compromised the ability to get the full experience of being abroad. It seemed very easy to forget that I was out of the country when constantly surrounded by other Americans. UC had tons of great events and high table dinners (harry potter style!) that became a coveted tradition encouraging student/faculty interaction and some excellent scholarly debate.

The food was typical dining hall food for the most part, but there was always a sandwich bar that had solid options and most of the nightly meal offerings were tasty (bearing the occasional repeats, such as turkey one night, turkey stew for lunch the next day, etc...to be expected of any dining hall, I reckon)

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was there for the Commonwealth Games (like the Olympics for the commonwealth countries) which was an incredible experience. Melbourne also has so many festivals and sporting events- it's an AMAZING place to live.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Melbourne overall is incredible safe- I never felt unsafe walking around at night.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• International Students
• Americans

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• Local Students