Study Abroad in Melbourne, Australia Past Review

By Amber T (Civil Engineering., New Mexico State University) for

ISA Study Abroad in Melbourne, Australia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

You never know what you're gonna experience until you go and experience it. I had this vision of how my study abroad trip was gonna play out and believe me I was not disappointed but only blown away about how much better it was! The traveling was like none other. Snorkeling at The Great Barrier Reef was unforgettable and the other trips were just as fun. The best thing no doubt id the memories and long lasting friendships you get. I knew I was going to make new friends but nothing like this. These people are from all around the world and have all taught me something new from their culture which I had never taken into consideration. Go out and experience the world! Go to Melbourne, Australia!!!!

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place:	Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Attending Swinburne has opened my eyes to the different possibilities of learning from around the world. There are many ways to be educated and all in their own way are helpful just as Swinburne did for me!
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The staff at Swinburne are extremely helpful and easy to approach. They keep you updated and in touch with you not only through email but also through social networking such as Facebook. That was good since so many of us use Facebook then we do our own school email! With arrival and departure they were very helpful to give us information that benefitted us. They were also always willing to help with any problem a student may have had during the entire semester.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Swinburne Residential College was an exceptional place to live and in my opinion the best place to stay. Of course it is more expensive than any other accommodation but with all the amentities it provides it is worth it. You are on campus and a 5 min walk to any class you may take. You are provided breakfast every morning even on weekends and holidays. The best thing is that you live with locals from Australia. They help you out and it's nice to meet people from the country. Best experience to live!
* Food:	Food was very good except the fact they did not have authentic Mexican food which took a while to adjust. Besides that, their way of eating is very healthy and a very enjoyable. If you live on campus you will be near Glenferrie st which has heaps of nice cafes with great soup selections.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Melbourne is an amazing place to live and stay while on study abroad. I fell in love with the city and all it has to offer. The night life is always top notch and things to do are endless. There are so many free activities to do in the city square and also so many night clubs, bars, and pubs to go check out that are unique. Different suburbs of Melbourne all have their own personality and it's easy to fall in love with one of them.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Health issues are very important and stressed so much in Australia. They are extremely careful about their people and their safety. I went during a perfect example hit. The swine flu. It was good to know that the government cared about their people it even seemed even a little to much at times.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	No

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)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Everything is a little more expensive in Melbourne. The only expenses I wasn't aware of were transportation costs which add up to a substantial amount of your costs. With eating and meals if you eat in just like anywhere else you will save so much to do with somewhere else.

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Don't let the fear of culture shock or anything hold you back from going on a study abroad trip. Now having this experience behind me I am thankful every day that I got this opportunity. It has helped me in so many ways to grow as a person and live life to the fullest. Now that I'm back I wish I could wear this sign saying seize the day and go on a study abroad trip!!!! It has been that amazing that I'm gonna do it again!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Australia: A Global Context
Course Department:	HAT110
Instructor:	Peter Love
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course is specifically for international and exchange students. It delivers what its course description says and more! The teacher is an amazing and well educated individual who has done heaps of traveling himself and has a tremendous amount of knowledge about places from all over the globe. He also knows how to connect with his students and make them feel more welcome in his home country and gives the best advice about travel destinations around Australia! Best class I attended while in Australia.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No not that I was aware this class fulfilled a general elective or could also be used as a Viewing A Wider World since it concerns another country and their culture.