Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Marvelous Melbourne Past Review

By (Computer Science, Towson University) - abroad from 07/07/2015 to 11/13/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was very worthwhile. I learned how to interact in a diverse working environment. I learned how to appreciate a different culture and differing points of view.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All of the TEAN Orientation Leaders were knowledgeable and personable which lead to an outstanding orientation experience. In my host city, the adviser was great!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Cultural activities were planned by the administration staff. We were highly encouraged but not forced to be involved with our host city's cultural life

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to the doctor for a cold overseas and help with finding a healthcare provider was given to me by my host city adviser.

* Safety:

The city was very safe and I was informed of all of the appropriate numbers to call. I was given an emergency contact card for TEAN staff as well.

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)

Food was not included in the program expenses.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries to cook with instead of eating out if possible. Eating out can be very expensive.

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

  • 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?
  • Cultural Integration
  • Staff Friendliness and Helpfulness
  • Availability of additional activities
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the weather. Melbourne was slightly colder than I expected it to be. It was winter when I was there, but it was still slightly colder than expected.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!