People have told me that the best way to appreciate Harvard is to study abroad, and that it’s one of the best opportunities that Harvard has to offer. I can proudly say that I successfully studied abroad in my Junior spring semester at the University of Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia. I absolutely loved my experience, and if I could do it all again I would!

At Harvard, studying abroad can come in all shapes and sizes. Nearly two-thirds of Harvard students study abroad during their college career. For those on financial aid, the financial aid transfers to where you go and the college may supplement any price difference. Students can study abroad for the semester, the year, or the summer. I wanted to choose the spring semester for many reasons. I felt like I was okay being away from campus for a semester. If anything, it would make me appreciate being at Harvard. I am excited to make my last year here count and take the entire experience in, whether that experience comes with classes, enjoying Cambridge, or solidifying connections with friends. Additionally, I wanted to be away from the cold for a semester. Because Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, it was enjoying its summer and fall by the time I got there. I technically enjoyed three fall semesters in a row! It was nice to experience another university where they are starting the school year. 

I was a part of the Consortment for Advanced Study Abroad (CASA) program at the University of Melbourne. The process to apply was simple. Our Office of International Education has clear instructions and deadlines for us to follow to apply. I chose to study abroad in Australia with CASA Melbourne because I wanted to go somewhere very new to me--I have never been anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere nor in Oceania. I also wanted to learn more about the cultural side of Australia and how its indigenous past reflects the way that Australia operates today. CASA Melbourne ahd a diverse group of students coming from different schools across the country. While we took classes at the University of Melbourne and interacted with the community like we were a regular uni student there, we also had our own set of additional academic programs. Our program explored the theme of Australia’s Place, where we got to look into Melbourne’s place in the world and in Australia. Some of our outings included going to Phillip Island, surfing together, and joining talks on indigenous astronomy. 

I enjoyed my classes with my professors and my friends that I met there. Some were also exchange students, who came from different areas of the US and different countries, while I met some friends who were going there full time, and are from Australia! My favorite moments were the mundane aspects of life there. I feel like I learned a lot about myself and how I lived. 

I can close my eyes and imagine my runs to the Carlton Gardens just down the street from my dorm, or my weekend ritual of roller skating down by the St. Kilda Pier. I used the tram system or the train to get around most of the time. It was a good thing that I have a lot of practice with using Boston’s transportation system, so it made it an easier transition. Another thing important to note is that there were no dining halls. It was the first time that I had to cook for myself, and learn how to manage my time with groceries. I’m happy to say that I have learned how to make a few good meals and shop for myself! 

All in all, I am so happy that I went abroad. I am grateful to have not only visited another country, but have experienced another institution and people on top of that. If anyone is considering studying abroad, do it!