6 months that change the way I see my last 20 years. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic rigour at the University of Melbourne is comparable to the higher-caliber Universities in the U.S. However, assignments are spaced out and professors are eager to answer questions and help when asked. The resources are abundant, as there are many libraries on campus, and the State Library (which I frequented as a study spot) is just down the street.

On-site administration of your program

The admins were very helpful and readily available to answer questions, offer advice and guidance, or just have a weekend coffee!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed at a residential college, which I heavily recommend. It gave be an opportunity to spend my time with Australians, and immerse myself in the culture, rather than living with other study abroad students (though this is a good option for many as exploration interests align). The colleges are close to campus and have many benefits which differ depending on which one (sports teams, parties, study groups, etc.).

Food in Melbourne is really good. There are loads of options spanning every cultural type of food. The CBD (Central Business District) is good for cheap dumpling places and fancy occasion restaurants, and the suburbs are great to find a weekly parma deal or a pizza. There are also many special nights at restaurants where they offer a discounted price for a certain meal, which is worth keeping an eye out for!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

At first I felt like a spectator, and then as time went on I felt embraced by the culture. Australian culture is remarkably different from anywhere else in the world, and the slang and past-times take some getting used to. What's great is that a big part of the culture in Melbourne is inclusion and acceptance, so they are a welcoming crowd!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't experience any health issues while abroad, but I was covered under OSHC (Overseas Health Cover) through Bupa. TEAN arranged all of that for me with ease.

Melbourne for the most part is very safe. In any city, there are safer parts and less safe parts, and being near some of the parks late at night can be unsafe, but if you keep your wits about you, you'll be fine.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Australia operates on this economic value system: things that are bad for you cost more, things that are good for you cost less. If you want to drink a lot of alcohol and soda, and eat at a restaurant every night, it's going to be expensive. But if you buy fresh food and cook it, eat at the cheap dumpling or noodle places, and are moderate about drinking, budgeting is very easy.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Immersion in Culture
• Food experiences
• Melbourne City

• Can't think of anything