My Exchange at Monash University
After spending a week in Melbourne during the summer of 2022, I fully understood why the New Zealand to Australia pipeline was thriving; Naarm was vibrant and full of culture, the people were incredibly friendly, and the pay for retail and hospitality workers was tenfold better than it is here. With all this in mind, it wasn’t hard to land on Melbourne when picking my top choice for a 360 exchange.
I had initially heard about the exchange program from a friend who completed on in Glasgow a few years ago. He was always talking about how incredible his experience was, and eventually, I began feeling a little jealous and started planning my own overseas study experience. After being approved, I was lucky enough to complete my final (ever) semester of uni abroad. Thus I was also able to stay in Melbourne indefinitely, even after the exchange was completed. In short, the opportunities that the 360 program have changed my life forever, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Going back to my arrival at Monash University, I was totally overwhelmed with how fancy the campuses were. All of the buildings looked brand new, and the facilities were incredible. Once classes commenced, I was equally impressed with the passionate teaching staff. Not only were the lessons incredibly engaging, but there were also a tonne of opportunities for hands-on learning and field trips. All-in-all, I couldn’t fault Monash University if I tried.
In fact, the only challenges I faced during my exchange were self-inflicted. Rather than choosing University accommodation (I am 24, after all, and don’t particularly want to be living with eighteen-year-olds who are just entering their party phase), I chose to rent a room in Brunswick West. The house itself was, and is, fantastic. However, making it to uni constituted a three-hour round trip, which wasn’t particularly ideal. If I were to go on exchange again, I’d definitely be paying more attention to the distance between my accommodation and campus.
Besides my academic experiences, living in Melbourne has been incredible. Before my arrival, everyone told me that the cost of living is astronomical here, but in my experience, that simply isn’t true. Rent prices are around the same as they are in Auckland, but food is cheaper, and pay rates are way higher. In fact, I know some people working in retail/hospitality jobs who earn up to $60.00 an hour on weekends! Australia is really well unionised, so you can expect a much fairer wage than you’d ever get in New Zealand.
As someone with no plans to return to Auckland, I can’t recommend the 360 exchange program enough. Not only has it set me up in a new country, but it has also made me way more self-sufficient and confident in my own abilities. If you’re on the fence about applying, just make the jump; you won’t regret it!
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
Because I left all of my elective courses until my final semester (which I completed abroad), I was able to experience a variety of faculties at Monash University and really get the most out of my experience. Moreover, a few of my art classes organised field trips to galleries and museums, which was an incredible way to experience Melbourne’s arts and culture scene and familiarise myself with art environments I wouldn’t have known about otherwise.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
Melbourne has an incredible social scene (and a great economy compared to New Zealand). My key tip for those doing a stint in Melbourne would be to find a part-time job while you’re over here. Weekend rates for hospitality and retail can reach $60.00 an hour, so it’s a great way to fund extra travelling and fun experiences. Additionally, try Brunswick for some great (and affordable) wine bars and gig venues – even if you go alone, people here are lovely and you’re sure to make friends.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
My three tips for those going on exchange in Melbourne are:
- Find accommodation that’s close to the city. This way, it’ll be easier to get involved in social events, and it won’t take you too long to commute to uni (Monash University is deceptively far away, so don’t go too far north!)
- Arrive a few weeks early; it alleviates a lot of stress if you’re planning on finding a job in Australia, and it gives you time to explore without the stress of assignments and study.
- Familiarise yourself with the Australian grading scale, and don’t be too hard on yourself if your grades aren’t A+ equivalent from the start. Getting used to the way a new university marks is tricky, but you’ll get there.
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
I budgeted about $8000 for my exchange, and it was plenty. I was even able to spend a month in Sydney first (though my accommodation was free as I was staying with friends) before moving over to Melbourne and finding a job. Obviously, if you’re not planning on working, you’ll need a LOT more.
The cost breakdown went something like this:
Travel Insurance: $150-200
Bond: $1075
Monthly Rent: $1075
NZ to Sydney Flights: $350
Sydney to Melbourne Flights: $150
Furniture: $400
Food (First Month): $400
‘Fun’ Money (First Month): $600
Public Transport Costs (First Month): $150
= $4500 (shoestring budget)
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
I think that my main takeaway is simply that going out on your own isn’t as scary as it seems. Sure, there will be times when you’ll miss home and feel a bit lost, but it’s worth it in the long run; it makes you stronger and more independent! I recommend everyone tries living in another country at some point in their lives; you might just make some of your favourite memories from choosing to do so.
