Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Learning to Learn Past Review

By (Environmental Studies., Wellesley College) - abroad from 07/23/2012 to 11/23/2012 with

University of Melbourne: Melbourne - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was completely worthwhile because I learned more about myself and about learning, but I felt that this was more from personal development from my own initiative than from the academic program itself. After this semester, although I learned much from it, I felt I could have made more use of my time by choosing a program more tailored to my academic interests.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

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? Try to buy groceries from fresh open-air markets rather than groceries.

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?
  • Melbourne the city
  • Independent Learning
  • Large school experience
* What could be improved?
  • Support for course selection (what am I eligible for?)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I really wish there was more support/advising about choosing courses. Many of my international student friends and I chose our courses based only on the short course description on the catalog.