Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An American in Australia Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/04/2016 to 03/31/2016 with

University of Melbourne: Melbourne - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Cross-cultural experiences, travel experiences, and experience living abroad. It was the best decision I've made.

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.

Most classes are what you make of it. You can choose to do all of the work or nothing, and your grade will reflect your effort.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was really helpful and friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My roommates and I found a great apartment in the CBD of Melbourne, but we found it with no aid from the program office.

* Food:

Loved the food and coffee. Can't go wrong wherever you go.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There wasn't much integration with local Australians. Most of the friends I made were from around the world in the same exchange program as me.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

Overall I felt super safe. However, crime still exists, and one of my friends was mugged walking home from school one evening.

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)

Easy if you watch what you spend. Not easy if you don't budget.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget and plan ahead, especially if traveling on weekends.

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

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Schedule to allow travel
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • Course offerings
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Basic cultural differences, and which courses to take.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.