Maddy Norburn is a BSc Biology student who studied abroad for a semester in her second year. Here, she talks about her studies in Australia and what she got out of the experience.
Studying abroad was one of the most valuable, exciting and memorable times both of my life and academic career. I would urge everyone to take advantage of this incredible and valuable opportunity.
Why study abroad?
I always knew before coming to university that I wanted to study abroad as part of my degree. When I arrived at Manchester and discovered that I could go abroad for a semester of my second year, I jumped at the chance.
I’ve always enjoyed travelling and discovering new cultures and environments, but since my gap year was during the pandemic and lockdown, I was not able to escape and go travelling. When the opportunity to study abroad arose, I thought this was the perfect chance to combine my academic studies with my love for travelling.
Choosing where to go
After copious amounts of research and hours and hours of list-making comparing different courses and locations, I finally settled on the University of Melbourne as my top choice destination. Thankfully, my application was successful and I was awarded a place to study at the University of Melbourne for the first semester of Year 2 of my Biology degree.
Once I was confirmed a place at the University of Melbourne, everything felt quite surreal and I couldn’t believe that I was actually preparing to travel by myself to the other side of the world to live and study for 6 months.
It would be foolish to imply that the preparation and lead-up to my trip was a complete breeze – it wasn’t. A lot of time, money and effort goes into getting ready to temporarily relocate your life for half a year. Whilst I can’t promise it was easy, I can promise that you will reap the rewards of that effort for years and years to come. It all pays off practically as soon as you step foot in your host country.
Life in Melbourne
The university campus in Melbourne was gorgeous, and the feeling and overwhelming sense of community and acceptance there was immediately tangible. There was so much to get involved in, and there were numerous numbers of student-led clubs and societies that ran events and even free BBQs on campus every week!
I’m not sure if it’s the consistent sunshine and warm weather, but everyone in Australia was so incredibly friendly and approachable, and so that massively helped in the process of meeting new people and making friends, along with all of the society and club events. These events included everything ranging from pub quiz nights, bingo, boat parties and pub crawls to BYOB dim sum nights!
At the university, it also felt like there was a real genuine duty of care for all the students and their wellbeing. For example, every week students could collect up to three frozen meals and a bundle of fresh fruit and veg free of charge! Australia does have quite a high cost of living and so, personally, this greatly relieved a lot of financial stress.
Studying in Melbourne
An aspect of the academic life that I really enjoyed in Melbourne was the vast range of different modules to choose from. I had the chance to explore topics that I would otherwise never have the chance to at Manchester. I learnt about concepts I had never heard of before such as One Health and how that can be applied to adopting a holistic approach to ameliorating human, animal and environmental health in the era of the Anthropocene and the deteriorating climate.
Additionally, I was able to take a Gender Studies module, which was greatly eye-opening and has even now helped to guide my future career path and decisions. I want to hopefully journey into a career in women’s health and hope to heal the knowledge gap in this area!
At the university, I also got the unique and special opportunity to learn about the Australian Indigenous cultures. A lot of the content that I learnt in my modules was interpreted with respect to these communities and cultures in particular, because of how their historical importance continues to be relevant and valuable today. I was really grateful for this opportunity, because before travelling to Australia, I will admit I hardly knew anything about the Indigenous cultures and how they continue to endure struggle and adversity in Australia today.
All of the lecturers and staff at the university also seemed to have a real passion and interest for their specific field of research, and thrived on thoroughly engaging the students. I felt inspired every time I left their lectures. This was a very special experience that I feel, coming off the back of the COVID pandemic and in the midst of online learning, can now be a rare experience for some.
Wandering farther afield
Whilst abroad, my base was predominantly in Melbourne. However, during reading week, a group of friends and I went to Perth. This trip was incredible and we spent our days exploring the city, hopping on the Ferry to Rottenest Island to see the quokkas and strolling along some of the most breath-taking beaches I’ve ever seen.
Once my exams were finished, I also got the chance to go travelling up the East Coast for just over a month. This experience was probably one of the highlights of my whole time abroad, and it was a great chance to unwind after the stress of exams, and also take advantage of being across the world with no responsibilities until my return to Manchester. Some of the places I stopped off at included Sydney, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Noosa, Magnetic Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands and Cairns.
Life-long benefits
I could go on and on about my time abroad because it was the most special and memorable experience. I will be forever thankful for it and I would do it a hundred times over if I could.
My study abroad experience was also valuable for my academic life and career. It gave me a taste of what different disciplines and fields of study are like in other countries, as well as strengthening my independence, organisational and time management skills, and providing something fascinating and unique to discuss in job applications and interviews that will make me stand out from the average applicant.
If there is anyone out there pondering over whether to study abroad or stressing about the details and logistics that may hold them back, I would advise you to just bite the bullet and do it! Let go of those fears and embrace the experience, because it has transformed my life, mindset, and career prospects for the better – and for that, I feel truly grateful and lucky.
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