These British students are all currently studying at the University of Melbourne

Charlotte Catmur is studying the Master of Environment 

"The Master of Environment at the University of Melbourne 
is unlike any other environment course. It is very flexible and enables students to choose the direction that best suits them. Having studied economics at undergraduate level in the UK, I became very interested in environmental economics but really wanted to broaden my career opportunities in environment and development projects. This course is the perfect way to build on the skills I learnt at undergraduate level, to develop a new suite of skills and to expand my knowledge. It is also enabling me to highlight specific skills, 
like social impact assessment and environmental risk assessment, which I will be able to apply when I go into the field.

“During my first year at Melbourne I was not in halls of residence so meeting people was 
a little bit slow in the first couple of weeks. But I went to the Student Union, and joined some of the sports clubs and the environment group, and soon was not short of friends to appreciate the great Melbourne coffee with and become actively involved in the fantastic university life that exists here.

“As with any new academic institution, I have had to adjust to the different term structure, the campus, the lecturing and the marking styles. But even after the first ‘semester’ I was already into the swing of things.

“The different backgrounds of the students on my course ensures that the in-class (and out of class) discussions are extremely interesting. Students come from 
a mixture of developed and developing countries around the world and different experiences mean that we all have different perspectives and knowledge, so 
we always end up in a fruitful discussion. The lecturers have been open to discussion and to helping formulate and brainstorm ideas, and all the administration staff at the University have been exceptionally helpful, right from the start, when I was applying from the UK, to now having issues of subject choice.

“I live in a shared apartment in Elwood, a suburb to the south of Melbourne city centre. My flat is right next to the beach, something I never had in the UK. I commute by bicycle to the university, which only takes 30 minutes. I would advise students to arrive in Melbourne a couple of weeks before term starts to familiarise yourself with the city and have time to explore it before the work starts. I’d also suggest getting involved in a club from the outset. The University offers considerable opportunities and support through extra-curricular activities, both academic and non-academic.”

 

Susannah Gray is studying the Master of Teaching (Primary)

"I came to Melbourne initially on a working holiday visa. Subsequently I was looking for a different educational experience and chose the Master of Teaching at the University of Melbourne because it is a newly designed teacher training programme which provides lots of experience in schools and guidance from both supervising teachers and teaching fellows. We spend approximately 40 days in a school per semester and I have had a semester in each of four schools.  The experience in the schools and at university is all related and is effective in our development and preparation for being teachers.  This semester I am classed as an intern and can take classes without being supervised.

“It was a big change for me to go back to study after five years but it was amazing how quickly I settled back into student life. There are many ‘mature’ students on the course from all sorts of backgrounds and from all over the world. Because they have done other things before moving into teaching they have many varied experiences and this leads to great discussions.

“The best things about studying at Melbourne are the friendly supportive people you study with and learn from, as well as the experienced lecturers and the resources available. The new facilities for studying include quiet relaxing spaces or other areas with computers and tables for discussion. The Education Resource Centre is full of useful resources, while the on-line facilities, such as the Learning Management System, are excellent. My advice to students considering this course is to ensure you have the time and commitment to give to it. It is a huge commitment and very intense but you gain fantastic experience.”

 

Emily French is studying a Bachelor of Arts

"I spent a summer in Australia with my family at age 16 and fell in love with the country. The University of Melbourne is internationally respected, which made it an ideal choice for obtaining my degree should I choose to travel elsewhere after university. In the eyes of prospective employers, I feel that having travelled for education will separate me from other university graduates.

“I was attracted to the Bachelor of Arts because of the broad variety of study options it offered in my first year. However, as I have chosen a career path, the later years of my degree have encouraged me to be more focused in my study.

“I lived in residential college for my first year and found that, being in a foreign country away from family and friends, the support network there was invaluable. It was the perfect accommodation to form friendships and live close to the university. After my first year, 
I moved into a shared flat.

“University life requires balance, something that is even more essential for study abroad. As an international student you must learn to manage study commitments and socialising while also keeping in touch with family and friends at home.

“I feel blessed to study in an extremely diverse country and to have the opportunity to explore it. I have always loved travel and Melbourne is ideally situated for me to keep discovering more of Australia.”

Malcolm Jack is studying the Bachelor of Veterinary Science 

“I’m originally from Aberdeen. Before I was accepted on the course, I had done work experience on a farm and in several veterinary practices for about three months. It wasn’t essential for the course, but I wanted to make sure I was suited to the profession.

“I was attracted to the University by its accreditations. Melbourne is accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the UK, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Inc, which means that after I graduate I can pretty much work anywhere in the world. I also lived in Melbourne for four years from the age of eight, which I enjoyed, and this helped put Melbourne ahead of many other universities, as I already knew what the city had to offer.

“I love the feel of Melbourne. It has a really relaxed and friendly atmosphere, which you just don’t find in a lot of cities. Australia is a beautiful country, and living here you have the opportunity to visit many stunning places, which you might not otherwise get the chance to do.

“Although the course is very challenging, I’m really enjoying it. The practical classes are great, and I have already been on a number of work placements across the region – I’ve worked on a Merino farm, in an animal hospital at Phillip Island on the south coast and at a dairy farm in Geelong, on the west coast, and this has just been in the first six months!

“I live at Queen’s College on the Parkville campus. As far as location goes it’s great, only a five-minute walk to the veterinary school. Coming from overseas, going in to college accommodation was a great idea as it helped me to make lots of friends in different courses that I would never have had a chance to meet otherwise. There is the added bonus that meals are provided, which saves lots of time.

“It may seem like a big move, coming to Australia to study, but I found the whole administration process of applying to the University was just so easy, and if there’s ever anything I’ve been unsure of since I started people at the University have always been eager to help. Melbourne is not just a great place to study, it’s a great place to live. I’d definitely recommend it.”