Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Every day is filled with ups when you're down under! Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 03/04/2019 to 06/24/2019 with

University of Melbourne: Melbourne - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a greater confidence in my independence as a traveller, a student, and as a person. Australia, while similar to the United States, challenged me to seek out new friendships, new experiences, and new places.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Absolutely.

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)

Traveling incurred the greatest expenses, but other than that the Australian exchange rate worked in my favor.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Book trips far in advance.

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? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • My residential college
  • The people
  • Melbourne as a city
* What could be improved?
  • The study abroad orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If I could talk to my past, pre-Australia self, I would underscore how invaluable throwing myself into all opportunities is and how everyone is so friendly and eager to make abroad a great experience.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Australian Wildlife Biology
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: This course utilized field trips often--taking me to different parks and areas of Melbourne to observe native species. The professor made an effort to get to know you personally, which spoke volumes (especially when the class has over a 100 people in it).
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Genetics, Health, and Society
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: I really enjoyed this class--each meeting brought in a new professional who lead a lecture in their field of expertise. Small tutorial sections offered an opportunity to connect with the material and other students on a deeper level. Great assessments--including a fun presentation and poster, quizzes, and a final exam.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Australian Art
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course offered a look at an often forgotten realm of art history: Australian art. The subject expanded my knowledge of Australia from a political and cultural perspective. The grade for the class hinged on two papers so those required a great deal of planning, research, and commitment.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Street Art
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course offered great perspective on street art, its meaning, and its effect on local plus global communities. Walking tours were a common element of the course, increasing my knowledge of Melbourne as a city.
Credit Transfer Issues: