Building a new life in Melbourne: where nobody knew my name Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Teaching is done more lecture style, and there is not as much room for discussion in class, though in upper level classes you are expected to be able to form your own ideas building on class concepts. Work for class consists mostly of reading. There are few assignments. Exams matter much more than they do in the U.S.

On-site administration of your program

Butler has a great coordinator in Melbourne-Yogi. She is wonderful and clearly loves to do her job. She established a rapport with all of us, and was available to people who had problems. She answers her e-mail quickly.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There was a supplemental housing bill that was a bit of a surprise. Overall the dorm was fine, but the administration sometimes gave us less independence than I was used to. Many freshman live in the Unimelb dorms, and the philosophy about how much freedom they should get differs from the typical American point of view. I'm not saying I would have chosen to live elsewhere, just that it would have been nice to know these things beforehand. One great thing about my dorm was that there was no hazing, and I saw and heard that it happened with other dorms.

Lygon street is great. We got plenty of food, but sometimes the cooks commented when I went up for seconds (I am female), which made me feel awkward. The food is carb heavy--many meals feature a mound of pasta or rice. I did not know any gluten intolerant people at the dorm, but it would be a concern.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had three great adventure days. I was there for two and busy on the third, but heard good things about it. The ones I went to were memorable and enriched my Australian experience besides being so much fun.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt ok walking around on crowded streets after dark, but would not recommend walking in the dark late or in quiet areas. The street north of campus is named Tin Alley, but nicknamed rape alley. Don't go there, even if you're male! Creepy guys will jump out of the bushes unless you're with several other people (minimum four, but don't go there even so).

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

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• Dorm

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• Americans
• International Students
• Local Students

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• Local Students