Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Wonderful World of Oz Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 07/16/2013 to 11/22/2013 with

IFSA: Melbourne - University of Melbourne

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be much more independent. I also, met people from all over the world and it made me realize how much larger the world actually is.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Classes were very engaging, exciting, and challenging. My only dislike of the classes were just how big they were. But I wanted to experience a large university environment, and I did, and it made me more grateful for the small school I go to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Yogi was AMAZING! She was truly there for anything that we needed, and really checked up on the students through out the entire time we were there.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were nice. My only disappointment I had was because I got the short straw and drew the 'worst' apartment of the students in our program but it was still quite nice.

* Food:

Melbourne has some amazing food, and I really enjoyed cooking for myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Yes, but because I went out and engaged in the culture. My joining of a church and making friends that way truly helped.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

They provided the necessary services when needed.

* Safety:

For as large as Melbourne is, it is quite safe. Obviously there are places that one should avoid, especially later at night.

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 is just expensive though.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $15
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries, it is easy to think you can eat out all the time but that really adds up.

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

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • The Wonderful experiences we were taken on.
  • The independent style, so that each student truly made it their own.
  • The diversity of Melbourne.
* What could be improved?
  • The budget for Australia, and particularly Melbourne.
  • The University's orientation was not great.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much everything cost in Melbourne.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.