Monthly Archives: April 2025

Apr 03 2025
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Should You Go on Exchange? The Pros, the Cons, and the Best Unis for Melbourne Students

So, you’re thinking about going on exchange? Big move. Studying overseas is one of those things that everyone raves about—new cultures, new friends, maybe even a bit of academic growth (but mostly new friends). But is it all sunshine and gelato in Rome, or does it come with a side of “why did I think this was a good idea?” Let’s break it down.

The Pros: Why Exchange is Worth It

  • Your Resume Will Love You – Employers froth over international experience. It shows independence, adaptability, and the ability to survive in a foreign land where everything costs way more than expected. I think this is great if you plan to work outside of Australia too, as it shows some courage and initiative to leave the insular bubble down under.
  • It’s a Free Pass to Travel – Okay, not free, but if you’re already in Europe or North America, weekend trips to Paris or New York suddenly seem much more doable. Compare that to being on a plane for 4 hours and still being in Australia..
  • Expand Your Network – Friends from all over the world are a great asset, It’s nice to meet people who had a different upbringing to what you were exposed to.
  • Personal Growth (The Inevitable Glow-Up) – Living abroad forces you out of your comfort zone, whether it’s navigating public transport in a new language or just figuring out how to cook without your go-to Woolies meal deal.

The Cons: It’s Not Always a Highlight Reel

  • Costs Can Stack Up – Even with scholarships and grants, flights, rent, and the occasional emergency “I can’t eat pasta again” meal add up fast.
  • It Can Delay Graduation – If you don’t plan properly, credit transfers can be a nightmare, and you might find yourself taking extra subjects when you return.
  • Homesickness Is Real – Your mates are out at Turf on a Wednesday, and you’re stuck in a timezone where your 3am thoughts can’t even be shared on the group chat.
  • Admin Overload – Between visas, subject approvals, and figuring out how to say “do you have student discounts?” in another language, the paperwork is no joke.

Best Partner Universities for MelbUni Students

The University of Melbourne has a solid roster of exchange partners, but here are some of the standouts:

  • University of California, Berkeley (US) – If you want that elite, Silicon Valley adjacency.
  • Sciences Po (France) – Perfect for political science, international relations, and croissants.
  • National University of Singapore (Singapore) – A top-tier uni with a city that’s both clean and ridiculously efficient.
  • University of Edinburgh (UK) – Harry Potter vibes, great pubs, and a killer academic reputation.
  • University of Amsterdam (Netherlands) – Bikes, canals, and a student culture that’s vibrant and diverse.

Should You Do It?

If you’ve got the financial backing (or at least a decent savings plan), the ability to adapt to change, and a degree that allows for some flexibility, exchange is 100% worth considering. The experience alone—both personal and professional—is invaluable. But if you’re on a strict academic timeline, tied to Melbourne for commitments, or just not keen on jumping through bureaucratic hoops, it might not be for you. Personally, everyone I know that did exchange looked back at it with great fondness, especially more so when they started the grind of full-time work.

At the end of the day, it’s your call. But if you do go, one piece of advice—start the paperwork yesterday.