A wonderful and possibly life-changing experience Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/27/2013 to 06/30/2013 with

University of Melbourne: Melbourne - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a new perspective about myself, where am I from, and my current circumstances. I was able to integrate what I learned from my home institution into my academics abroad, and learned some new skills and strategies along the way. I made lifelong friends, and gained a perspective on a possible future life path from my experiences at this university. It was definitely worthwhile. Australia is a wonderful place, and Melbourne is a friendly, diverse, and beautiful city.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was a little jarring at first going from a liberal arts college to a co-ed full-blown university, but once I got used to that this was a great educational experience. The classes were well-taught. The material could be challenging but I gained so much from both the subjects and overall experience of learning how to study/write/etc. The tutorials allowed students to reflect on what they learned from the lectures and the reading, and I really liked this as well. There were plenty of resources, and tutors and lecturers were available to answer questions. Overall I had a very positive educational experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I had to cook for myself, so I cannot really comment on food. But my location to a wonderful market made grocery shopping healthy and affordable.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city is very safe. It is still good to be vigilant at night, especially around the CBD, but I did not run into any major issues.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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?
  • The classes
  • Global mobility
  • The ability to balance travel and education
* What could be improved?
  • Testing environment (but that's just my own preference)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know now that it is good to connect with people already living in the area or that have had a similar or equivalent study abroad program before going to the program. It does allow you to go there without being completely blind to what you need and what is most cost-effective or convenient or exciting.

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!