Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A wonderful cultural and personal growth experience! Past Review

By (International Studies & Russian, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 02/11/2015 to 06/24/2015 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Melbourne - University of Melbourne

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Because I studied abroad, I have a much greater appreciation for learning about other cultures and countries. I love traveling, but being able to experience a place for an extended period of time, and actually go to school in a different country was an enriching experience that I am forever grateful for.

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.

I felt the rigor the the university, but also felt that I had time to explore, travel, and live like a local.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My host country program director was wonderful. There is a specific person or two for each area that TEAN students go, and our Melbourne resident advisor was awesome! Throughout the semester, he made a point of getting us all together to go to events to really get to know the Melbourne culture and lifestyle. He was very knowledgeable about the area and really helped us get acclimated into life in Australia.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Overall, the apartment I was placed in was great- clean, newly renovated, gym availability. There were a few of the workers who were not very helpful at the desk, but that was a minor issue. If you are a study abroad student though, it may feel like you are a freshman again because most of the students living in Urbanest were either study abroad or young freshmen. It was interesting that the apartment building had students from all different universities though. But overall high quality environment and great location in the center of Melbourne (CBD).

* Food:

The fruit, especially at the Queen Vic Market was unbelievable. The best time to go is right when they are closing because the vendors are literally giving away produce! Such great deals! Also, Aldi is a great place to shop for cheap food! Woollys and Coles are a little more pricy but it depends on what you're buying!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I definitely felt extremely comfortable in Melbourne. The music, art, and culture are wonderful, and Melbourne is an extremely vegan/vegetarian friendly city which was really nice too. There was always something to do, from museums, to parks and greenspaces, to music gigs and other shows. It really is one of the most livable cities in the world.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I only went to the doctor once and it was extremely easy to navigate. Having it through the uni was very helpful.

* Safety:

I definitely felt safe in Melbourne, but as with every city, you have to be cautious. Being aware of your surroundings, especially in a big city is important, but overall, I felt very comfortable.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would say in terms of food shopping, if you want to show at the market, go right as it's about to close because that is when everything is the cheapest. Aldi is a great cheap food market too.

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • organization
  • flexibility
  • extremely helpful and accommodating
* What could be improved?
  • I can't really think of anything!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Try to get involved at school/ in the area as soon as possible because even though traveling around is wonderful, but the time flies and it's important to actually experience living like a local.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.