Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Melbourne: The Place To Be! Past Review

By (Art History, Tulane University) for

IFSA: Melbourne - University of Melbourne

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I feel that my time in Melbourne really effected me. I fell in love with the city and the people in it, and am now considering getting my masters degree at University of Melbourne.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The grading system is very different in Australia. I did find that H1's which are the equivalent of an A was difficult to achieve in a liberal arts class in Melbourne. Apparently they very rarely give H1's for papers. The classes are much larger in Australia to what I was used to, but you have smaller sized tutorials which are really helpful. If you live in a residential college you have live in residential tutors who are amazing and will read as many drafts of a paper that you give them. They are a godsend!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone in Australia was extremely sympathetic and efficient. They made any difficulty I met extremely easy to deal with.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a residential college mainly with Australians and international students. It was so nice because I was able to make friends immediately with Australians. They are extremely friendly and go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. I am still friends with the Australians I lived with, and got to see so many smaller towns in Australia that I may have never heard about had I not lived with them!

* Food:

College living's one downside is the food. They try hard, but like most dorm food it was not the best...

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

IFSA-Butler took us on so many wonderful field trips! We went to see an Australian Rules Football game, Phillip Island and a winery tour in the Yarra Valley. Our leader, Yogi, was so sweet and really cared about her group!

* Safety:

Melbourne is extremely safe. Especially in comparison to New Orleans. As long as one takes the normal precautions, there is no real danger to be afraid of.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Orientation in Sydney
  • Field trips
* What could be improved?
  • Communication with group advisor.
  • Help with class registration.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? My best advice would be to live in a residential college and really make a point to make friends with Australians. They will bend over backwards to make your experience amazing!