Melbourne: Best 6 Months I'll Ever Have Past Review
By Justin P (Business Mangement, Texas Christian University) for
University of Melbourne: Melbourne - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes, it was completely worthwhile. As I sit in Texas, I wish I could be back in Melbourne living at St. Mary's and going to school there everyday. The city, the people, and the lifestyle totally fit my personality and made me realize that I will do anything to go back.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academics were not especially rigid, but they were not easy. The amount of work was light, as we only had one project and final for each class, but grading was tough. Sourcing all commentary and fact in Australia is huge, so make sure you source everything. Classes are larger than TCU, but they have tutorials that are smaller. Class lectures are also online, so many students do not attend lectures. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
IES was a good program to use. They provided many services that cost students a lot of money who were on direct enrollment for free. For instance, IES paid for Melbourne Welcome, which is $550 dollars and their field trip during the break is at such a discount, you would be crazy not to go. The leaders in Melbourne, Chay and Liz, are hysterical and make sure you feel comfortable. You never felt awkward having to approach them about problems and were available if you ever needed help. There were only 30ish students in my IES group, which I thought was a good size. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Applying for living in a college was the best decision I ever made in regards to studying abroad. I was able to have experiences that all my friends in apartments didn't have, such as participating in the "fresher dance," playing footie, and spending the weekend at an Australian's house. In my college, we didn't sheets, pillows, or anything, but people living in apartments needed sheets, a pillow, and some more cooking supplies. |
| * Food: |
Food at St. Mary's was very good. Sometimes the variety was lacking, but the food was always good. My favorite was fried Fridays, were they served fish and chips and salmon. Melbourne has such an eclectic mix of food, there is now way you could ever get bored. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The IES Easter Break trip was amazing. We only paid $500 and probably were able to do activities and eat for about double the amount we paid. The orientation was not the best, but they had small activities throughout the semester that were great. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never had any trouble with health and safety. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Apply for living in a college, you won't regret the extra cost. Also, make sure you budget accordingly, Australia is more expensive than you think. |
