Going from a school of ~2,000 students to 30,000

G’day Mates,
Not only is Australia completely on the other side of the world, but it feels like I am in a completely different universe. With zero covid cases for over 2 months, smiles of people are out and things are running in a pretty normal fashion. Even since I arrived, things have gotten more normal. I don’t even have to wear a mask while grocery shopping, in an uber, or on public transport. However, the best part of being in Australia has been my ability to connect with the people around me and the subjects I am taking.
While things are running in a somewhat normal fashion, going from a school of ~2,000 students while on the hill to a school of ~30,000 has been rather difficult. With apps to help you not get lost, walking around campus feels like it is almost another city. Something that I have noticed in all aspects of life here at the University of Melbourne, is the increased amount of responsibility that you hold as a student and individual. Since lectures and tutorials are so big, you are truly in charge of remembering when things are due and having them done to the correct standard. This leaves a little bit of anxiety for me as I constantly am worried that I am missing in turning in one of the few assignments each subject holds. While the responsibility for my own work has increased, the teaching standard has not wavered. In my very random assortment of classes of Marketing, Organizational behavior, Indigenous Languages of Australia, and Developmental psychology, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the complex world around me, especially in my Indigenous studies class.


While many believe the Indigenous community to be one of simplicity and tradition, this is only half true. The Indigenous people’s society is more complex than our western world could even understand. The vast difference in language barriers, traditions, and relationships vary from clan to clan. A phrase that my teacher said that really made me think was that in the Western World we are taught “who not to marry” but in the Indigenous world you are taught “who to marry”. The ability to hear guest lecturers, have such a knowledgeable teacher, and have a diverse class of Aussie students is quite amazing.’

Another key difference between Australian and American colleges is the involvement in clubs. I have made the most amount of friends through the Wakeboarding & Waterskiing club, Outdoor club, Ski club, and beyond. While the university is large, these smaller clubs allow you to bond with individuals with similar interests as you. Being one of the only American students in all of Australia has definitely had its moments of isolation, however, it has also allowed me to stand out and make friends with the locals around me, instead of clinging on to other Americans.

Sincerely,

Georgia Freeland