What inspired you to go abroad?
My mother mostly. She travelled when she was younger, so I became inspired by her! A few friends from my home university travelled to the Netherlands this past year and encouraged me to study abroad as well, so I decided to do it!
Melissa posing alongside some street art in Melbourne
Why did you choose Deakin University Study Abroad?
I decided to travel to Australia, specifically Deakin, mostly because of my host family. The mother in my host family actually came to live with my mom (and grandparents) back in the 1980s as an exchange student, so I figured it would be neat to come live with her as part of my experience.
Melissa on the beach in Melbourne
What was your favourite part about Melbourne?
My favorite part of Melbourne would have to be that there is always something going on, literally. The city never sleeps. I’ve also never lived near a big city before, so that was a new experience I wasn’t used to either. There’s also the beach right next to the city, which is amazing!
Melissa checking out artwork
What made your experience abroad unique?
I think having a host family that I know personally makes my experience really unique. It’s like having a family over here of my own and makes me miss my actual family a lot less. I get to experience what normal everyday family life is like with them, which is pretty neat. Also, they are always busy, so it means there’s always something to do.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
Well, mostly adventuring and exploring the outer areas of Melbourne. I didn’t go into the city by myself a whole lot because it overwhelmed me. I stuck to outer suburbs and towns along the beach. I only had uni one day a week, so that meant a lot of free time! I mostly did hiking or opp shopping.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
My accommodation was with a host family that I had already met earlier in my life. They gave me a very personalized experience while being over here.
Melissa with fellow Deakin students
Now that you’re home, how has your time in Australia impacted your life?
I feel like it’s given me a bigger picture of the world as a whole. It’s definitely given me the travel bug as well.
What’s one thing you wish you would have done differently?
One thing I wish I did differently was get more involved with the sporting life over here. Footy season was just wrapping up as I arrived, at least on the level that I would be comfortable playing at. I enjoy sports greatly and I feel like that would’ve helped my homesickness a lot when I first got here.
Melissa at a sporting event
Would you recommend studying abroad at Deakin University to other students? Why?
Yes! It is an enriching and humbling experience that allows you to meet new people from all over the globe.
What is your best piece of advice for future participants?
You will get homesick, and it will suck a lot. But you’ll also make some great friends that will help you get out more. Also…don’t be afraid to ask PTV operators for help.
