Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living in Australia was a unique experience that is incomparable. Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 07/21/2014 to 11/21/2014 with

University of Melbourne: Melbourne - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to take better care of myself and not call my parents every time something goes wrong. I learned to enjoy the freedom and that sometimes eating veggies is good for you.

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 weren't hard and many were optional to go to. They offered a lot of interesting subjects, many Australian history based that everyone should take advantage of. The classes were great, easy, and a breeze to go through for the most part.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

You have to register with classes on campus with the administration and there's often a long line to talk to admins and they always close at 5 pm.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived at RMIT Village, which was across the street from University of Melbourne and a 5 minute Tram ride into the heart of downtown. For what RMIT Village offered, it was overpriced, small, and strict. The only upside was there were only students living there and it was convenient to the city.

* Food:

Melbourne is, in my opinion, the best place in the world for coffee and brunch. The coffee was phenomenal through the city, worthy of the many rankings through websites and magazines as having the best coffee in the world. While food and drinks are expensive (everything in Australia is seemingly expensive) brunch was by far my favorite meal of the day. There was a large Chinatown and every other type of food you crave can be found.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Melbourne for years has been voted as the most livable city in the world for good reason including huge diversity. Australia is a immigration point for many peoples including Europeans, Middle Easterns, Asians, and Indians. The country itself has been pushing campaigns to help the social integration of Aboriginals, but in Melbourne, there seemed to be a large acceptance of everybody.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

In Australia, there is socialized healthcare which makes going to the doctor very accessible. I only went to pick up antibiotics for a sinus infection but it was quick, painless, and easy. Before you go, you have to sign up for OSHC which is international student health insurance. My only complaint is as Australia is pushing to decrease the overuse of antibiotics, it forces doctors to be very reluctant to prescribe antibiotics.

* Safety:

I was in Australia as they increased the terror level from medium to high, meaning an attack is imminent. While this is scary, I felt very safe where I was in Melbourne. There seemed to be an increase in police after that and a higher awareness of the peaceful protests in the city (most often in front of the state library). While nothing ever happened in Melbourne (only 1 major threat) I never felt any fear to go out or worry of an attack.

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 incredibly expensive. The most expensive was housing, which if included in the guidelines to this question would but any student over a budget instantly.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Shop for most foods at the Queen Victoria Market which sells fresh meats and vegetables for cheaper than any grocery store. Prioritize your money on what you want to spend and be aware of expenses if you plan on traveling while abroad.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • The City
  • The Food
  • The Accessible Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Knowing what the expect
  • Knowing how expensive it would be
  • Knowing more about housing abroad
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Like I listed previously, I think just more information on the program and what to expect would have been nicer. It would have been nice to know that there are so many more apartments that on campus colleges and the RMIT Village.

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.