Melbourne really is the most livable city in the world Past Review

By (Music Industry, Loyola University New Orleans) - abroad from 07/13/2014 to 11/14/2014 with

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): Melbourne - RMIT University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Participating in the TEAN program was one of the best choices I have ever made. I gained a new sense of confidence and independence while living in Australia. My time abroad changed my life and how I will live long after the program ended. My sense of wanderlust has been pushed to full throttle. I want to take the world be storm and explore everything I can. This experience was completely worthwhile and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The TEAN staff is amazing! Everyone of them is super helpful and will do all they can to assist you in any way.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living arrangements were great! I lived in Urbanest and the rooms were basically brand new and fully furnished.

* Food:

The food in Melbourne is out of this world. I can't even remember how many times a meal completely satisfied me, it happened too often.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Melbourne is a big city with a lot of people. You get what you give. The more you try and immerse yourself with the local culture, the bigger connection you will have.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It took a bit for my healthcare to run through the system, but other than that, I had no issues.

* Safety:

I always felt safe in Melbourne. I could even venture to say that you could walk alone at night and no one would bother you, even though you should always be cautious and walk with a buddy.

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)

Melbourne is a pretty expensive city but if you are smart about your purchases and budget out your money, it is completely doable to live more than comfortably.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Find a discount grocery store and buy food there. Only buy what you need for the weekdays and then treat yourself with the money saved on food out.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • A lot of assistance in applying
  • Cultural Events
  • Local Staff member
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
  • n/a
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? 6 months is not enough time.