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!

Head to Australia if you're looking for adventure! I went during their summer and missed winter at home--I recommend doing this! I made a ton of friends and learned how to surf. The locals are super nice and would take me out. It's easy enough to immerse yourself in the culture and there is a ton of opportunity to travel around the country. There was always something to do no matter what your interests are. If you're looking for an unconventional study abroad experience and love the beach or wildlife, then definitely consider this!

Honestly such a great experience being abroad and having an internship in a foreign country. I was in for a surprise with the huge work load I had coming into my internship and not knowing a lot of the things I was doing on a daily basis. My director was able to find what I was good at and develop it through the course if 3 months being here. Although a big work load there was always a sense of positivity in the work place and out from my program coordinator. I made amazing friends and have amazing memories that I will carry on for the rest of my life. Difficulties I have encountered? Not many. One that in coming in really quick that I can't avoid, is FOMO (fear of missing out) but hey, looks like you're doing it right Australia! It is very difficult to put into words all the things i have learned and experienced on this trip, all I can say it that it was absolutely amazing and you need to get out there and experience it for yourself!

I Stayed in Murdoch and don't get me wrong the beaches were beautiful and the people are extremely nice. the school was adequate i took all electives so it was easy sailing. if your looking to explore the city i suggest that you study abroad in Sydney on the East Coast. nothing is near by. the Program was great, the abroad adviser at Murdoch set up amazing trips for the study breaks. and Literally the beach was 10 min bus ride. It was worth the money and the traveling. AIFS set up my flights perfectly no lay overs- i even got to do the orientation in Fiji which was amazing! AIFS set me up i loved my time abroad- i am trying to find away to get back to Australia!

[SKIP TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS IF YOU WANT THE BOTTOM LINE]

My study abroad experience was absolutely amazing! Besides being a part of more than 30 students from across America, I was also introduced to nearly a hundred other individuals from all over the world who were either studying abroad, looking for a job or just backpacking the area. It sounds lame, but I truly cherish every person that I came into contact with on my trip-- my journey.

Macquarie Uni (especially during Semester 2) is a fun, fun, fun university! There is always something to do on campus, but you may have to do some research. There were many times when I missed out on events that I would have loved to attend, but I didn't look into the school's schedules.

Both Fiji and Sydney are beautiful, easy-going places that I could easily see myself revisiting or even relocating to. The people in both countries (Australia was often referred to as a country) are very kind, welcoming and helpful. Do yourself a favor and make some good relationships with people from both areas. You never know when you may need something-- whether you're in their country or back home in America.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

BEFORE LEAVING US

1. Save as much money as possible!! Seriously, the exchange rate was absolutely ridiculous while I was abroad (fall '11). Also, Sydney is expensive in general, but you can find cheaper places to shop and eat if you shop around.

2. Make sure you go through the AIFS info booklet online for general necessities and information about the weather and clothing, etc.

3. Make a list and research things and places you will need to find immediately (i.e hair salons, churches, possible companies to intern/work).

4. Pack smart. Bring everything you will need, but leave enough space in the luggage to allow for trinkets and souvenirs from across Oceania.

5.
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6. Use unused appliances/ items from your apartment and peers' apartments to save on money and luggage space. [i.e. blow dryer, flat iron, textbooks, etc- you can always clean them]

7. Make many friends from all backgrounds and countries.

8. Do your work, but hang out and enjoy yourself AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE!!! *Disclaimer* Be safe and responsible though.

9. Travel to as many other cities and countries as your pocket permits! Seriously!

10. Enjoy yourself, and SOAK UP EVERY SECOND!!

The worst part of my experience was arriving back home and realizing I may never get the opportunity to hang out with friends I'd met, to ride the train to/ from the city as the sun rises/ sets, to surf on those white beaches, to go to Ubar or the Ranch (you'll know when you go), to scream at the annoying birds that later become normal, or to eat ice cream and pancakes with the Red Frogs crew at the Village.

My study abroad experience was AMAZING! I would recommend it to anyone who wants something different out of their college experience, wants an adventure, or just wants a change of scenery. Living with a host family in Fiji was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Seeing the wonders of Australia, like the Great Barrier Reef and the Sydney Opera House was indescribable.
AIFS helped to make day-to-day life easy for its students. Weekly meal and transportation allowances and several free trips made AIFS stand out from the other providers.
Overall, Sydney was great! Everyone should get to Australia if they have the chance, and for me, AIFS was the reason I was able to have that chance.

This program was wonderful to work with. They were quick to answer any questions I had pre-departure. WE also had an amazing contact person while in country who knew us all by name and was available readily if we had questions. The university is huge and allows for whatever academic plan you might have be it rigorous or lax. The housing you will stay in is great and you will be surrounded by your program as well as other international sutdents and Australian students as well. Transportation into the city is so easy as well as travelling around the country itself. The program provides many in country outings included in the price and you should take every opportunity they provide, they are well worth it. You are going to make lifetime friends and lifetime memories. I would suggest study abroad to anyone and I would 100% suggest this program specifically.