Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Something for Everyone Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 07/23/2018 to 11/30/2018 with

University of Melbourne: Melbourne - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Australain culture is much slower than the US culture. School wasn't full of assignments, there weren;'t peopel rushing around. Everyone just seemed to going their own pace. I slowed down alot and had time to focus on my own personal hobbies such as video editing and music which I hadn't done since I was in high school.

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.

Really interesting way of teaching. Compared to my home university, they had less assignments but were able to cover topics much more in depth since there were less assignments to do.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The orientation was short and was not filled with a ton of info, but only necessary information such as emergency numbers and campus resources. When I went to register for classes, they were extremely helpful, and only took a few minutes.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living arrangements were close to the university (3 min walk), housing in Australia is expensive regardless of where you live however. Also, my room was small and there was no central heating or cooling.

* Food:

Foo here is really tasty and healthy. Prices were a little high but worth it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Australian culture has so much to offer that it feels like there really isn't a dominate "Australian culture." I had a great time hanging out with friends and stuff and looking at the tourist features of Melbourne.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

You must buy health insurance for Australia specifically. I never had to use it.

* Safety:

I felt safe at all times in the city and suburbs. I have heard of a few dodgy places and people, but I never experienced anything.

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

Melbourne is an amazing city full of all different experiences. It has so much to offer to anyone. I will definitely go back in the future.

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)

Per week, I spent close to $280 USD between rent, food, and very occasional outings with friends. The prices are expensive in Australia, luckily the exchange rate is good between the US and Australia.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save a ton of money before you leave. Save more money than what you think you will need just in case.

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? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International 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?
  • International Students
  • Free Time
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Wish I would have packed warmer clothes. I had only packed a few jackets, but I needed more winter clothes.

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!