Ron (Sem 1, 2023)

My Exchange at Monash University

Despite walking past the 360 International office countless times during my degree, I never gave it a genuine thought, assuming it was a super niche for specific programs or I was too late to apply. It was only after my good friend told me she was applying for an exchange that I seriously looked into it as well. Despite not applying for the same host university, we motivated each other throughout the lengthy application process. After getting my host uni confirmation, I was very excited, and attending information sessions hosted by the study abroad office further fueled my excitement for this journey.

Upon landing in Melbourne, I was greeted by a whirlwind of emotions, ranging from nervousness to boundless excitement. Meeting fellow exchange students and engaging with locals during those initial days in the campus hall helped create a sense of belonging and comfort, easing the transition into this journey. Opting for on-campus accommodation proved to be a wise choice. It provided a supportive environment for adapting to life in Melbourne with a heavy social emphasis, especially during orientation. Living in such close proximity to everyone made it very easy to make cool friends from diverse backgrounds, which enriched my experience and was pivotal in making my exchange so memorable.

Melbourne has a ton of engaging activities to explore for any interest – from various cuisines to beautiful hikes to visit. Travelling to different parts of Australia and nearby countries from Melbourne is very accessible. Outside of Victoria, I travelled around Tasmania over mid-sem break and going around the East Coast, Bali, and Sydney were popular options for many friends. Research popular nearby destinations based on your interests you could visit during your exchange and plan your travels accordingly.

Studying abroad can be expensive, and Melbourne is no exception. Research the cost of living in Melbourne and allocate funds for essentials like accommodation, food, and transportation. Additionally, leave room (more than you initially think) in your budget for exploration and fun activities.

A significant learning is that it’s equally as important to connect with other exchange students as well as locals, this will give you very different perspectives of your host city and profoundly enrich your experience. Don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with cool-looking strangers, join clubs or groups related to your interests, and attend local events. These interactions will not only provide valuable insights into the local culture but also help you form lasting connections.

My flight to Melbourne was faster than the drive some of my local Australian friends made to campus from their hometown. And for this reason, I did not expect my experience to be very different from New Zealand, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun and memorable my five-month exchange was. I am very grateful to 360 International for this opportunity and the privilege of this transformative journey.

Q&A

What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?

The opportunity to enrol in relevant courses that are not currently offered at UoA was an amazing way to pursue my specific academic interests. This also allows you to experience a different style of learning than UoA. In my case, I took the iOS development unit to transfer towards a stage 3 Computer Science paper. This ended up being one of my favourite papers in my university career.

Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?

The Monash Boardriders Club host a handful of events every semester, including weekend-long surf camps! This was a great opportunity to meet heaps of adventurous locals and other exchange students who I would have otherwise never met. Other than having a super fun (but exhausting) time surfing, there are many social team games which all contribute towards an incredibly memorable trip!

Wednesday sessions hosted by Monash university is also a cool opportunity to enjoy live music and make new friends on campus.

What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?

Research how far away the Clayton campus is from the city CBD via PTV so you don’t get an unpleasant surprise. You might need to allocate 1 – 1.5 hours for the commute.

There are regular food drops and other supportive initiatives from the MSA club so definitely keep an eye out on their socials.

The Op shops in Melbourne are quite elite, so definitely explore around before purchasing plates/pots/pans/hangers etc. from Ikea.

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 $15,000 NZD for my entire exchange experience, including flights and additional travelling around Australia. This was definitely more than enough for my needs and allowed me to splurge while travelling on food and experiences. I can highly recommend finding a group of other exchange students to share the costs of cooking equipment and ingredients – preparing food for a larger group is a lot more cost-effective (per serve) than cooking for yourself. As you go on trips with your friend group, utilising an app like Splitwise to keep track of payments was a game changer.

What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?

My adventure in Melbourne has been an absolute blast, and I’ve come away with some incredible takeaways that made it all the more fun. Living in a foreign country has pushed me out of my comfort zone, forcing me to adapt to new environments and situations. I’ve also gained a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and the importance of empathy. Melbourne is a melting pot of cultures, and I’ve developed a greater appreciation for the beauty of cultural exchange.