IFSA: Study Abroad Programs in Australia

I could not be more grateful and lucky for the time IFSA gave me abroad. IFSA did an incredible job of helping me prepare during my application process and before I left the United States. The staff and website were helpful in making sure all of my application pieces were in on time and that I did and had everything I needed before entering a different country. Once I was in Australia my advisor Tamera became my go to. She was attentive, helpful and caring. She was always there to talk if there was an issue or just for a casual conversation.
IFSA did a great job of getting our program to bond. Right off the bat we were thrown into orientation, while exhausted of jet lag, it ended up being an amazing few days. Immediately, we got the Aussie experience, touring Sydney, seeing native animals and walking on gorgeous beaches. In this time I did everything with my IFSA Brisbane group and got to know them quickly. Throughout the semester IFSA and Tamera did an amazing job of organizing events, we did day trips, a weekend getaway and dinners. It was a great way to consistently see everyone and keep that special bond.
Another aspect of abroad that made my experience incredible experience living in the International House (IH). We had the option of IH or in an apartment. A few people I talked to during my application process spoke so highly of IH, so I went for it. IH was one of the best parts of my time abroad. It gave me a community with friendships, cultural growth, a support system and a new place to call home. Now when I look back on abroad, my greatest memories aren’t seeing world wonders, they are sitting in the IH dining hall, dancing at the IH ball or doing homework court yard.
Lastly, Australia, it is an amazing country. The people are welcoming and fun and I felt safe at all times. The landscape in incredible and the animals fascinating-- there is no lack of things to do or places to explore. I would love to go back some day and would encourage anyone who has the chance to spend some time down under they must.

Traveling to Australia was a dream of mine that IFSA made possible. It was quite intimidating to travel across the world by myself, but having the support of IFSA kept me on track and made me feel safe and secure. IFSA not only helped me make new friends, but also helped me transition into Australian life. If you are thinking about going abroad, you should! IFSA allowed me to make some of the best memories of my life, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity they provided. IFSA also planned so many fun activities for us such as seeing a show in the Sydney Opera House, seeing the beautiful Figure 8 Pools, hiking the Blue Mountains, going to a zoo where we had the opportunity to pet wildlife, and so many more exciting adventures. I loved this program so much!

Studying abroad in Brisbane, Australia was the highlight of my college experience. I went as a junior and although I was halfway around the world, I never felt alone. IFSA staff and advisors provided my with the guidance and comfort I need to succeed. I was able to see beaches, see sanctuaries, fly overseas, skydive, make friends both in my IFSA program and in Australia, and I accredit that all to IFSA! Australia was the perfect place for me. Relaxed, surfing environment surrounded by nature. I was able to just put my headphones in and soak up the sun. I don't know if anything will every top Brisbane, Australia and I am so glad I decided to go.

I studied abroad through IFSA at the university of Melbourne in the fall of 2018. It was such an amazing experience, it's hard to put into words! After a long flight, I was immediately greeted by IFSA staff and we had program orientation in Sydney for three days. The place we stayed at overlooked the Sydney harbor, and on our last day we had a wonderful dinner cruise on a boat. Then I flew to Melbourne with 10 or so other students studying at the University of Melbourne with me, who became some of my closest friends during the semester. The community I became a part of at my college, International House, was so inviting. It always had fun events and activities to take part in, including a theater production! Throughout the semester my IFSA program leader, Lindsey, was super supportive and helped us all adjust to our classes and new environment. Before I knew it, the semester was over but I had met so many new friends and made amazing memories exploring Melbourne and other parts Australia.

My experience at the University of Adelaide through IFSA afforded me an opportunity to integrate into a foreign culture and education system, learn to live and thrive in an inner city setting, and forge strong relationships with individuals from another country and background. The IFSA coordinator living in Adelaide and teaching our Community and Culture class was an excellent mentor, and facilitated our integration into this Australian community effectively and effortlessly. Adelaide is a beautiful and charming city, spilling over with diversity and multicultural influence among its winding rivers and bustling streets. IFSA's program simultaneously enlightened me to the history and culture of both my city and the broader scope of Australia, as well as taught important skills towards independence and exploration of all Adelaide had to offer beyond the classroom.

Melbourne was an incredible city, packed with things to do and people to meet. I lived in the center of the city, with the campus being about a 20 minute walk away. The tram system was great--super fast and easy, making transportation quite affordable and useful. I reccommend taking a day trip to Phillip Island, a short hour and a half public bus ride or rental car away. Here you can get the true Aussie experience--pet a kangaroo and see koala, as well as watch the famous penguin parade. I joined some clubs, including the University of Melbourne Wake-boarding Club and Mountaineering Club, where I go to go camping, hiking, skiing, kayaking, you name it. Through these clubs and through my classes I met so many new people from all over the world! Melbourne was an incredible city to live in (voted most livable city for numerous years in a row!) and I loved my experience there!

I had an amazing time abroad in Sydney and was set up perfectly by IFSA-Butler. They gave me all of the materials to be successful and were very helpful anytime I needed anything. The staff was extremely fun and took us on several adventures to show us around. My accommodations were better than anything I could've hoped for and we were extremely safe. The academics were enjoyable at the University of Sydney and overall I felt very supported throughout my time there. Thanks to IFSA-Butler for truly my most memorable semester!

From take-off to Australia and landing back to the States, IFSA could not have made the process more supportive, entertaining, cultural, educational, social, and seamless... Our orientation provided us not only the resources necessary to make new friends (who would likely end up on our subsequent program), but, more importantly, the opportunity to remind ourselves that we, in fact, CAN make friends —and this reassurance goes a long way throughout the semester and in life. I love how IFSA looks after their students throughout the entire semester... not just in the beginning and for administrative needs... I went to Melbourne completely alone (and happened to meet one girl from my school, along with dozens of other kids I still keep in close contact with), and I strongly advise IFSA to maintain the norm of enrolling in study abroad alone. All of the friends that I acquired there, too, arrived independently, which made everyone more open-minded, relaxed, and less suffocated. This is how study abroad should be done. I made friends for life who live in both the states and Melbourne. I’m also very appreciative of the fact that IFSA got us spots in the Uni Melbourne International Student Orientation, for this is where I was able to make even more friends than I started with from my IFSA “herd.” Friends from other international programs did not know of the Uni orientation and missed out on making friends and learning more about what the school has to offer.