AIFS Abroad: Study Abroad in Australia

My semester abroad at Murdoch University through AIFS was by far my favorite semester of college. I took two exercise science courses and did a research internship. I loved the program and getting to live on campus, meet other international students, and explore Australia. AIFS really helped me every step of the way and I am so happy that I chose them as a program provider. I spent the semester going to classes, hanging out at the beach, exploring Perth, and traveling around the west coast. Overall this program was amazing and I can't recommend it enough!

This experience has been such an incredible adventure! I feel like I am leaving more confident in my career and inspired in my personal life. AIFS did a wonderful job preparing me, and Andrea was a phenomenal program director once in Australia. Sydney itself was the best location choice for me. Since it was my first time abroad on my own, I wanted something that had a similar culture to home in the states. I never felt alienated here, but since it's so close to Asia, I got to experience plenty of cultural fusion which broadened my world view. If you're on the fence about studying or interning abroad in Sydney, I can say from experience that it did not disappoint.

This has been the best time for my friends & I. We all came in not knowing eachother at all and being from different places but have become such close friends. It is normal to be scared or nervous!!! Don’t let that hold you back & this experience is more than worth it. I have made friends in the past 4 months that I can’t imagine I used to not know. There’s plenty of amazing trips here in Australia (imagine snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef!!!) and you get to do it all with the best friends you make here.

AIFS was great!! Not only do they let you choose your location and field of interest, but they take you on fun excursions you probably would’ve never done by yourself! I had a great experience. Coming to Australia was truly life changing and I am so grateful for the opportunity. I actually had to switch internships because the first one was not a good fit at all. I was miserable, but AIFS helped me find a solution and a new internship. They are very supportive and wanting the best for the interns.

When I decided to study abroad in Perth, I chose to go through AIFS for several reasons. Not only did I hear/read great reviews about AIFS, but they also simply had one of the best all-inclusive deals compared to other programs. What also really impressed me about AIFS was the staff. Before departing for Australia, I would constantly email them questions about everything and anything, and would always immediately receive a reply. This helped ease any concerns I had, and I never once felt alone. While actually in Australia, the AIFS resident director was amazing as well. She was so friendly, and took us on many fun, cultural excursions I probably would not have gotten to do otherwise. Overall, AIFS made the entire study abroad process extremely easy and hassle free. They set up all of my housing arrangements, gave me a card with money for a meal allowance, provided me with health insurance, and while I chose to not do this, can even make flight arrangements for you. It was great to not have to think about those things, and can help ease your worries knowing it will all be taken care of before you even arrive.

During my time abroad, I lived right on campus in the Murdoch University Village. If you go through AIFS, you automatically get put into a double room in the south part of the Village. While the south village is definitely not as nice as the north, I personally did not find it unreasonable. The apartments are older, but my apartment was clean and everything in it worked completely fine. The south village is also right near the bus stop, mailboxes, and Admin office, which can be very convenient. You can, however, pay an additional fee to upgrade your living accommodations before or after you get there, which AIFS will work with you to do so!

Perth itself was also an amazing place to study abroad. Perth has the most beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and a really fun nightlife. There are also numerous places near Perth that are great for day trips such as Rottnest Island or the Pinnacles. It’s also located close to Asia, which made trips to Bali and Thailand very affordable and easy. Murdoch University is also in a great location right outside the city, but still close to all the action and shopping centers. On top of that, Murdoch University has a really great international program that offered amazing trips such as a 10-day trip to the northwest part of Australia, which was one of the highlights of my study abroad experience. Overall my experience studying abroad in Perth with AIFS was incredible, and I would recommend it to everyone!

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!