Veterinary Medicine & Science Study Abroad Programs in Australia

I really liked attending JCU in Townsville because I got the chance to further my studies of marine biology, which is my major at my home university. Not only was it the only school that offered the exact same Invertebrate Biology class that my home university required, but they also had a ton of other options to choose from. I love animal physiology, so I also enrolled in Aquatic Animal Ecophysiology, which was so interesting. I also loved being able to go out and explore Australia (i.e. Magnetic Island, Paluma Rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, etc.) and make connections with the material I was learning in class.

I had an absolutely amazing time studying abroad at JCU in Townsville. The school is world renowned for its Marine Science and Environmental Science departments. It is an extremely great place to study abroad if you are a science major, with tons of hands-on experiences, research opportunities, and seasoned professors. My only caution is that humanities majors may have a harder time finding courses that are applicable to their degrees back home. I am an English major, but also on the pre-med track. I took almost all science classes at James Cook because the Australian University system/James Cook does humanities very differently than in the United States. Otherwise, my time with IFSA and at JCU was one of the bet experiences of my life. I truly did meet life-long friends and have once in a lifetime experiences. The campus is somewhat rural and the culture is very outdoorsy. There are a lot of outdoor adventures in North Queensland. I lived on campus in an apartment with two Australians and was very quickly immersed into their friend group and culture. There is a big sports culture on campus as well, though it is not super competitive, more for fun. For example, I tried playing rugby for the first time in Australia and played for my dormitory team. I loved this experience and was encouraged to do so by my roommates. The friendships are what will stick with me forever. The IFSA program makes your journey easier and far less stressful. I am so grateful to have gone through the IFSA program because they truly do support you before going abroad, while on site, and even after. The staff is extremely kind and welcoming and knowledgeable. I know my experience would not have been as enriching without the IFSA program.

I was initially very nervous about studying abroad as a STEM major. I wasn't sure how my credits would transfer or how hands-on my experience abroad was going to be. I had no idea how much studying abroad would end up affecting my academic life, but I soon found out that I received so many benefits to stepping out of my comfort zone and just doing it. I study Marine Biology, so naturally Australia was the perfect location for me. The classes I ended up taking were all STEM, and three of them were related in some way to marine biology. I had brilliant professors who taught me so much while I was abroad. I also had no short supply of field work. Three of my classes involved spending time out in the field, whether to collect plankton samples or to identify animals in the Australian Outback. I had an amazing time learning abroad, and I picked up so many skills that I believe are critical to a STEM major. Despite the rigor of four STEM classes, though, I still had plenty of time to explore and travel where I wanted to. In addition to academics, I was able to experience so much revolving around marine biology while abroad. I got to volunteer with a graduate student to help catch and tag stingrays. I was able to go to the Great Barrier Reef and see firsthand the amazing life that it holds. It never ceased to amaze me how much Australia inspired me to pursue a career in marine biology, even though I had already dedicated my academic career to that. Somehow after my time abroad, I knew more than ever that I was doing the right thing with my life.

I experience a good business environment. It is very helpful for my success in the future. With the help of this experience i got a lot of opportunities to get right way for successful career. I have good ability to communicate with others and confident in my decisions. On the other hand i am weak in intuitive thoughts. With the help of my experience i will overcome my weakness and improve my strength.

Studying abroad in Perth, Australia for a semester was truly a trip of a lifetime! I did everything from taking a surf lesson, exploring the city, and taking a 10 day outback trip. AIFS was completely there along the way, from pre-departure to when it came time to leave. We had an onsite AIFS representative, who took us on a few outings, gave us advice, and helped us with adjusting to a new culture. With AIFS I was even able to participate in a week long Pacific Studies course taught in Fiji, prior to Australia. Perth and the surrounding areas had a great public transportation system, which we all used to get around to the beaches, grocery stores, etc. It had a great nightlife and plenty to do during the day, as well. Murdoch University also had some great things for international students, such as some optional excursions which included the outback trip, a trip to Rottnest Island, and a local animal conservatory. Overall, I am so thankful I went through AIFS. I made so many memories and never felt alone along the way.

Studying abroad in Australia was the best decision I ever made and I am glad I went through AIFS. AIFS was very receptive when it came to pre-departure information and class registration. I loved having an AIFS representative right on campus, who was super knowledgeable and friendly. She scheduled a few activities during the semester for us, which was included in the program. My favorite was the Brazilian Barbeque. Perth is the perfect city for college students. It is small, yet has loads of eateries and nightlife options. King’s Park offers is nature retreat that gives a spectacular view of the city. I will never forget my first time there and seeing breathtaking Perth. Public transportation is clean, cheap and easy, especially when you register through a university to get a student discount. Perth is very close to the beach as well, so there are things to enjoy for all types of people. Although it is the most remote capital city in the world, I never felt at a loss of things to do. Studying abroad is a must. If you are feeling skeptical, check out AIFS and see the programs they have to offer. I do not think you will be disappointed.

Australia is an amazing country full of friendly people who are equally as curious about Americans as Americans are about Australians. I had so much fun in the social aspect of my study abroad experience. Making friends, going on adventures and to the beach, and other trips were the best. The education, on the other hand, was extremely hard. It was not told beforehand that classes were excruciatingly difficult so keep that in mind when selecting Australia. Also, Murdoch University does not hand out anything for free, you will pay for almost everything on campus so keep that in mind as well. While my experience outside of academics was great, it is important to note that you will be challenged mentally. I still absolutely loved it though!

AIFS is a great program to travel with. From the flight option, where they will partner you with another student travelling from your region, to the meal plan, where I was able to forget about budgeting for food, the nitty gritty details were all planned for me before I even left the country! They also set up my housing before I arrived and lived with another AIFS student. Because Murdoch University has a partnership with exchange and study abroaders, I was able to partake in experiences Murdoch only offers to those who are visiting their university short term. Those included a 10 camping trip in the outback, a weekend trip south to the Margaret River region, and others!

I really can't say enough good things about studying abroad with IFSA in Australia. From the first day of orientation, everything was very well organized. Through IFSA, we had several cultural excursions throughout the semester, both in Sydney during orientation and in Queensland during the semester. I remained friends with the students I met at orientation after arriving at James Cook University, and our local liaison with IFSA was always helpful, approachable, and easy to reach. I had an amazing experience in Australia. After returning to the U.S., I worked for IFSA as a global ambassador at my home college to encourage others to study abroad. And when I left my IFSA sweatshirt at an airport, they sent me another one gratis from Australia!