Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Oh Melbourne How I Love Thee Past Review

By (Psychology; Creative Writing, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/18/2013 to 06/29/2013 with

IFSA: Melbourne - University of Melbourne

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
From studying abroad I definitely gained a greater sense of confidence in myself and my capabilities. I learned that I can operate in a new environment completely on my own and that making connections with different people and culture excites me. The experience is a pivotal point in my life so far and is one of the most worthwhile things I have ever done.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really enjoyed living right in the city, although I'd wished I would have met more Australians (as most of them lived in the Colleges or at home in various suburbs) I think the apartment played a big part in forming my independence.

* Food:

Australia's foods were mostly the same foods I was used to, with a few exceptions (Try the Kangaroo!). In Melbourne going out t eat was a bit expensive so I couldn't taste an array of things, but there was also a lot of different kinds of Asian food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish I could have been more integrated. I for sure went out a lot and got a feel for the city I was in, but Melbourne is so multicultural that it was never quite "Australian" enough for me. Although there is simply no such thing! Go out and embrace the culture, attend a footy game, hang out in the parks, etc.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

the university of Melbourne students are put on a healthcare program that covers a wide array of student services, and IFSA Butler itself also helps with any specific concerns regarding health issues.

* Safety:

The city was very safe as there were many officers around patrolling even at night and there were otherwise people around. Although after the trams (the main transportation of Melbourne) stop at midnight it becomes very difficult to get where you need to go unless you take a taxi.

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)

Australia in general and Melbourne as a city were very expensive. it was quite difficult to live off of a student's budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $70 if I could help it
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? -Print out your resume and try to get a part-time job if it suits you, but do know that a lot of your time ay be taken up by it -Try to buy foods and plan for meals that will last for a little while so that you are not constantly going out and buying food constantly. -put your food and necessity money aside from your "fun stuff" money. Use a system of budgeting! -Make sure you fins the cheapest places to buy groceries or supplies. (Here are some places! Coles supermarket, Aldi's supermarket, Queen Victoria Market, a Discount store called The Reject Shop)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • We went on trips to explore the area around us in Victoria
  • Our Program Advisor was wonderfully attentive
  • I became really close to those in my program
* What could be improved?
  • More trips would be FANTASTIC! Or even more local opportunity
  • One on One stalks with the program advisor would have been nice
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it is a bit difficult to meet local Australians in the Melbourne setting simply because it is a city that attracts people from everywhere. That it is very expensive in Melbourne/ Australia in general and that having reserve funds would be very important That opportunities to go out the see the wilderness need to be taken advantage of and planned ahead!