Alumni Interview with Paige Santelli 

What inspired you to go abroad? 

One reason I chose Lafayette College was its established study abroad programs. A lot of students from Lafayette go abroad, so I knew going into college that it was something I wanted to do. I also got to the point in my college career where I felt very antsy and needed to go do something new. I've always been adventurous and eager to travel, plus I study anthropology and sociology, so I'm fascinated by experiences with different societies, people, and cultures. 

Why did you choose IFSA? 

I wanted a program that would allow me to go to school and live with locals rather than an island program with an isolated English speaking school in the country. I wanted a super immersive study abroad experience, so I knew I'd have to go to an English speaking country. I also figured I'd go as far away as possible while I'm young and eager, so I chose Australia.

I did some research into the cities in Australia and figured Melbourne would be the best fit for me because it is very artsy, hip, and diverse. After deciding the country and city, I found IFSA's program at the University of Melbourne, which offered a large university where I had a wide range of classes and could fulfill credits for both of my majors. IFSA programs are often very immersive too, so it really was the perfect fit for me. 

What was your favorite part about Melbourne? 

My favorite part about Melbourne, Australia was the laidback, reassuring culture. I met so many people who were pursuing art because that is their passion rather than doing things they feel they should be doing. The culture is very friendly- less competitive, rushed, or demanding than American culture. Australians know how to compartmentalize their work, school, and fun, and it was important for me to learn that. In Australia, I felt much more relaxed about where I'm going and what I will do in my life. I was constantly reassured that I have time to figure it out and that there is no rush. 

What made your experience abroad unique? 

My experience abroad was unique because I immersed myself deeply into Australian culture. Right when I got there I decided I wanted to be a Melbourne cyclist, so I bought a used bike and learned how to ride in the city despite my lack in biking experience. Then I got a job in one of the northern suburbs - that's where I met most of my friends and was how I was able to immerse myself so well. I always say getting a job was the best thing I could have done while abroad, which sounds silly, but it really did force me to branch out and become a Melbournian. 

How did local staff support you throughout your program? 

YES! IFSA staff is amazing. Before departure I would email with endless questions, and the staff was always quick to answer. While I was abroad, my program leader was super great too. She was a young grad student who had studied abroad in America, so she understood what we were going through and knew how to connect to her students. IFSA staff members are extremely passionate about their work and were always approachable. They are always willing to help or even just talk about life.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently? 

I went abroad leaving my significant other in America, and while we did break up while I was abroad, I wish I had gone to Melbourne without that connection to home because it did hinder my ability to fully connect to the place I was in for the first couple months before we broke up.

Describe a typical day in the life of your program. 

I would wake up early, make breakfast, get a coffee, maybe bike to the Queen Victoria Market to buy some fresh produce, go to work/do some homework/go to class/watch my lectures online, go out for dumplings in Chinatown, get ready for a night out, go to a punk gig with my friends, then a warehouse/house party after that. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time? 

In my free time, I enjoyed going to punk shows with my friend, Lilli, or dancing at techno/house events with my partner. I also biked around the city a lot and lounged in the parks with friends. Sometimes I practiced djing with my friend, Sarsha. I frequently went out to eat in Melbourne because the food is so diverse, and it is a significant part of the city's culture. 

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it? 

I lived in an apartment in the middle of the central business district (CBD). We were spoiled with floor to ceiling windows that exposed a lovely view of the city, and I'd often wake up to watch the sunrise in the morning through those windows. The accommodation was right in the heart of the city, so it was convenient for going out to eat or going out to bars. It was fun living amongst the bustle of the city, and living so close to Chinatown meant it was a highly diverse area. 

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program? 

Every participant should know that going abroad is not a solution to all of your problems or an extravagant fantasy land. It's simply just real life in a new place, and there is a good chance that the things you struggle with in your life before you go abroad will be exacerbated when you are settling into this completely new environment.

I struggle with mental illness and my symptoms were definitely worse when I first got to Melbourne. It was an overwhelming transition despite my plethora of travel experiences, and I fell into a bit of a hole at the beginning. But like I said before, getting a job helped pull me out of that a bit by forcing me to get out and introducing me to people I learned to care for and who cared for me too. 

Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life? 

Abroad I lived a life I was happier living, so it has been a difficult transition knowing that my heart is still in Melbourne. But I actually have plans to move back after I graduate and I have decided to pursue a job in international education after college, so you could say study abroad changed my life! 

Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why? 

I would recommend IFSA to students who want an experience abroad that stresses cultural immersion. I would recommend IFSA to students who enjoy having conversations about people, cultures, and societies, especially those who study these subjects. I would specifically recommend IFSA at University of Melbourne to students who are motivated to push themselves and take control of their own abroad experience, otherwise it is easy to stay within the facilities IFSA provides and not feel that you truly experienced the city.

I would not recommend IFSA at University of Melbourne to people who want to be traveling constantly during their time abroad because Melbourne is a city focused on lifestyle and it is difficult to travel within Australia due to expenses, time, and how large the country is. If that is what you want out of study abroad, I would recommend somewhere in Europe where traveling to different cities is a lot more convenient and accessible.