Melbourne: Learn and Live Past Review
By Aimee S (Sociology, Trinity University) for
IFSA: Melbourne - University of Melbourne
I am so much more independent now. Before study abroad, I had never been out of the US. But now I've studied in Australia for a semester without knowing anyone I was going with, visited the Great Barrier Reef with a group of new friends, and backpacked through New Zealand for 2 weeks completely on my own. Study abroad was the best experience of my life. Not only have I learned I love traveling, but academically it reinforced my career and education plans.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was different since it consisted of only a few assignments for the entire semester. The grading system also differed. To get the equivalent of an A, it was 80% or above in the Australian system. So while it might seem that you are doing poorly with a 75%, in reality that counts as an A- when back in the States. Overall, a great place to study. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our onsite program person was really amazing. She was Australian and had attended the University of Melbourne, so it was really helpful to have her. We had activities, such as attending a footy game and going wine tasting, which were included in the program fees. We also had a banquet at the end of the semester with everyone in Melbourne, which was a great last get together before people started flying home. All in all, everyone with IFSA-Butler was really helpful, very supportive, and they provided us with a lot of information that helped us adjust to Australia. Overall, my expectations were more than met. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a residential college, which was arranged through IFSA-Butler. The closest thing I can describe it to is the American Greek system, though its so much more than that. I lived with Australian students, as well as some international students and other Americans studying abroad. It was really helpful coming in Semester 1 (Spring in the US), because it was the first semester for the Australians so we were able to join in with the First Year orientation as "new students." That really helped with my transition to the college, and it made it so much easier to make Australian friends since there was a whole new group of students coming in besides study abroad students. The neighborhood was very safe and so much closer to classes than the apartments provided by IFSA-Butler. Definitely live in a residential college, it was the best part of my study abroad experience. |
| * Food: |
The food was good for what it was - mass produced food. I definitely enjoyed the formal dinners three nights a week, we had a three course sit down meal. All meals were provided, which made it a lot easier on me since I didn't have to cook. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I really enjoyed the Philip Island tour and being able to pet and feed wallabies. All of the tours were very beneficial to learning more about Australia and having fun with my fellow study abroad students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Didn't need any vaccines for Australia. I was probably the most insured I've ever been with the Australian government's insurance and the insurance through IFSA-Butler. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I really only spent money on snack food and tram fare. Probably about AU$15-20 a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Definitely know the exchange rate. The exchange rate tanked while I was abroad, so everything was much more expensive. Generally, just expect to spend a lot more than you plan to. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | I highly recommend this program. You will get so much help while abroad and so many opportunities, but you're also able to be independent and interact with the locals. |
