Solid program, but could be improved

I came to Melbourne in July 2014 for a 6 month internship in the Business/Events program.

AAG helped me get a business internship with a really great company, working for really great people. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better placement. It's given me experience in marketing (my degree is in marketing), international business and business development, a look into the way the Australian and Victorian governments work, and overall just how to interact with people differently.

The really important part of a review that people really want to read about, though, is the negative aspects (if any). Overall, my experience with AAG has been a relatively positive one. But there was definitely a lot of uncertainty and stress (and, frankly, dissatisfaction with the program) surrounding the housing aspect.

What got me is that we paid a program fee to help us cover every aspect of moving here, and the only support we got is a few website links that, honestly, we could have found ourselves (so why did I pay for that?).

The housing was far and away my biggest stressor. Luckily I was able to find a place in a week, but only after spending that entire week camped out on real estate websites and sending countless emails to real estate agents and landlords, but I have talked to others and some people had a much harder time than me.

The other issue is the salary. I was told that it covers basic costs, but if I'm being honest, it barely does. When it comes down to it, $1500 is not a lot of money, and it's quite hard to live off of. I have a place in the CBD, which is $1200/month. That has left me with only $300 per month for everything else, like groceries, utility bills, and anything else. I realize that there are other options farther from the city and with roommates, etc. that are cheaper, but I feel like it shouldn't be a salary so low that participants have to perform acrobatics just to get a living situation that will allow them to cover necessities and leave extra for socializing, etc. Because ultimately, people don't join this program to go live somewhere and struggle to get by. I was also told that some people opt for second jobs. Again, I didn't join the program to have a day job and then need a second job just so I can afford to have a life (and then not have a lot of extra time for that social life). I'm lucky that my parents are amazing and helping me out while I'm here, but there are others who don't have that luxury.

But, like I said, I love my job and AAG has definitely exceeded my expectations in that aspect.

Also, they put a lot of effort into organizing social events and getting participants together. It's important to be with other people that you can relate to, especially living so far away from home. It's easy to make friends in that respect because you've always got tons of opportunities to be with AAG members.