Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Summer in Melbs Past Review

By (Cornell University) - abroad from 06/03/2017 to 07/29/2017 with

The Intern Group: Melbourne Internship Placement Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and how much I enjoy traveling and meeting new people. I gained a lot of confidence in my ability to tackle tricky situations as they arose and always have a good time, despite any unforeseen circumstance. I also gained confidence professionally and felt that I made strong connections with the people I worked with. Not only was this trip worthwhile, I think it was an essential step for me in my development and has prepared me for life after college more than anything else could have.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The experience was internship focused and not academic however I did gain academic value from my internship because of the research project I worked on. I learned a lot about Australian business, reporting, how non profits run, and use of Excel.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was incredibly kind and readily available if I needed anything, both via email/social media and in person with office hours.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I thought the location and quality of housing could have been a lot better but it was sufficient and I was near others in the program.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had to use health care services.

* Safety:

Melbourne itself was a very safe city and I always felt comfortable when out and about, however I did not always feel safe around the other guests at the Bell Street apartments.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved every minute in Melbourne. The other students in the program (primarily from the US and UK) became some of my closest friends who I will keep in touch with and hopefully visit again soon. I learned how to thrive in a completely new place, got to know my way around and the ins and outs of a city with a population of 3.5 million. I gained valuable experience in a professional environment where I was given a lot of responsibility and autonomy and felt that I contributed meaningfully to my organization, Earthwatch Institute. I spent weekends sightseeing around Melbourne and a long weekend going to Cairns to snorkle the Great Barrier Reef and was supported by my host organization. Would do it all again in a heartbeat.

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 an expensive city. The kitchen at Bell street where we stayed was not easy to use for many meals (the biggest issue was that the fridge in my room didn't keep temp so food I bought spoiled) and we ended up eating out almost every meal.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Roughly $350 per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to cook more of your own food or don't go out on the weekends.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The other students I met and everything we did together.
  • Working at Earthwatch.
  • Seeing more of Australia.
* What could be improved?
  • The housing. While my room did work for me and I didn't have many complaints while there, looking back it could've been safer and cleaner.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive living in Melbourne would be and that everything in Australia is pretty far apart so unless you fly or have a car it's tricky to get out of Melbourne.

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 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.