An Unforgettable Semester Past Review

By (Communication, Washington State University - Pullman campus) - abroad from 07/07/2014 to 11/14/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself while I was abroad. Mostly I learned that I am much more brave and independent than I ever thought was possible. The whole process challenged me in many different ways, but it was worth it. I wouldn't change it for the world.

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.

The classes were challenging but there was plenty of resources available for when I needed help. The professors were all very friendly and helpful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Rob is amazing! He knows everything there is to know about Melbourne and was always available to answer question when I had them. My roommate and I always looked forward to meeting up with him. We always had a good time and laughed constantly. Rob in very genuine and made my experience better than it could have possibly been with out him.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our housing location was great. It was right in the city and only about a 10 minuet walk to campus. The room was brand new when we got it and the building was really nice. We had everything we needed, kitchen, shower, and on sight laundry facilities.

* Food:

There is so much food in the city. You will never run out of new places to eat, it almost seems endless!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was hard to meet locals but if you are persistent it will happen. I made some really good friends and even got the chance to go to a beach house with locals. Melbourne has amazing culture, there is something for everyone.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have to get health care bu my roommate thought she had appendicitis. We called Rob, who works with TEAN, and he gave us all the information we needed immediately.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Melbourne. I could walk home alone when it was dark and not be worried. I have never felt safer in a city than I did there!

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 was very expensive. It would have been more manageable if I was working. It you budget right and stick to it is not hard to do.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 or more
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan out your budget weekly and save up more money for traveling.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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 local contact Rob
  • Not having to find my own housing
  • Orientation
* What could be improved?
  • communication before leaving.
  • more options with housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had saved up more money to travel and do other things. It adds up really quickly.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.