Melbourne: The 2nd Most Livable City & Great Place to Study Abroad Past Review

By Adam K (Business Administration, Trinity University) for

University of Melbourne: Melbourne - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

It was extremely worthwhile. This experience opened my eyes to the Australian culture. Working in Australia also may have changed my future plans. I wouldn't mind working in Australia since I was offered a part-time position after my internship ended.

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.	The workload was minimal aside from reading. Teaching was similar in some aspects, however professors expect students to actively participate in class rather than just simply taking notes.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	All the students in the program were located in the same apartment complex, which was 5 minutes outside downtown. Our location within the city was superb. We were close to the university as well as downtown. We didn't need to purchase any items to settle-in; they were provided. The only thing we needed to buy was groceries.
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	We went to see the penguin parade at Philip Island and went on several wine tours.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Melbourne is a pretty safe city if you don't run yourself into trouble. One student studying with us decided to go out on his own on the 3rd day in Melbourne and ended up being held at gunpoint. This was the only issue concerning safety we encountered. The student should probably have not gone out on his own, because he got lost and ended up in the wrong neighborhood. Otherwise, if you are with a small group, you are extremely safe when walking around (especially late at night).
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?	Food = $40-50 Groceries = $20-30 Personal Expenses = $50-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Food is more expensive than I imagined. Going out to eat can become extremely expensive.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Politics, Society and Identity in Australia
Course Department:
Instructor:	John Murphy
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course was somewhat challenging, because it covered so much information about the history of Australia. We weren't taken on any field trips. This class was purely lecture and tutorial. The professor was extremely knowledgeable and well prepared in class. I participated more than usual because of the grading weight the professor put on tutorials.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Yes, I had credit transfer over for my core curriculum. This course is mandatory (at least the semester I went to Melbourne); therefore, students should find a way that this class can transfer back to their home institution.

Course Name/Rating:	Australian Internships
Course Department:
Instructor:	Fay Anderson
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course was extremely interesting and not too difficult. Your grade is mostly comprised of one presentation to Fay and your boss's evaluation at the end of the internship. We met only several times to discuss our experiences in the Australian working environment and had guest speakers come to lecture. The teacher was very knowledgeable and prepared to help us have the most enjoyable experience while working. This class doesn't feel like a class at all! I recommend that students consider doing an internship abroad.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Yes, I received an internship elective credit.