Interview: a 2023 UniMelb Master of Management (Mkt) student

📍 Interviewee background

Hank

Bachelor's: Tamkang University

Major: Diplomacy and International Relations

GPA: 3.82 / 4.0

IELTS: Overall 7.0

Admitted:

Australia

UniMelb - Master of Management (Marketing)

📍 The University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne's teaching quality is internationally recognized. Different departments and courses may give you different learning experiences, but in both resources and facilities, UniMelb went beyond my expectations and lived up to its standing as a world-class university.

One thing I didn't expect: because there are so many graduate students, every course is split into several time slots. Most of my classmates were international students, more than half of them spoke Chinese, and native English speakers were actually rare. Also, with so many students, final exams are held at the Royal Exhibition Building, and seeing thousands of students taking different exams at the same time is quite a sight.

📍 Switching fields starts with the basics

Like me, many people study a different field in grad school than in college. If you choose the 2-year program, the school schedules foundation courses in the first half year so students from other fields can ease into the later coursework.

After a few classes, I found that each class covered a lot of material, and since I was switching fields, I needed more time to understand new theories and terminology. But as long as you listen carefully, take notes, and preview and review, picking up a different field isn't too hard. So switching fields can be a challenge, but with a bit of effort and without too much anxiety, you'll be ready to step out of your comfort zone.

📍 Teaching style and coursework

Business programs have lots of group assignments and presentations, and these depend heavily on teamwork, so choosing your group members carefully is key. On top of that, each course has its own assignment formats and deadlines, and they can happen to pile up in certain busy weeks, so it really tests your time management.

The professors' course content leans toward theory but also uses real-world cases. There's also quite a lot of group discussion time in class, where everyone shares their own views and perspectives. Overall, the courses balance practice and theory, which really helps you understand how the knowledge applies in the real world.

📍 Melbourne through my eyes

When you first arrive in Melbourne, you might wonder if you're in the right city, since you hear languages from all over the world on the street and Chinese restaurants, supermarkets and bubble tea shops are everywhere. But that's exactly what gives Melbourne its unique multicultural feel.

Australia is relatively safe, so you don't have to worry much about your belongings, the locals are friendly and warm, and overall it's about as safe as Taiwan. That said, you'll occasionally run into drunk or odd-behaving people on Melbourne's streets, and locals seem used to it.

The tram network is one of Melbourne's signature features. Trams are free within the city area, which makes them part of everyday transportation. Melbourne is also famous for its coffee culture, with countless cafés where you can easily enjoy brunch and a laid-back life. The city is full of possibilities, so no wonder Melburnians often proudly say, "Melbourne is better than Sydney!"

📍 How I've changed

I became more independent. In an unfamiliar environment where life and study depend on English, and you have to solve problems on your own, I became more proactive. The atmosphere in Australia also got me used to slowing down and enjoying small pleasures, like having coffee at a café or sitting in the sun in a park. I learned to take life calmly.

While studying abroad, I kept discovering cultural differences that let me see the world from new angles. These experiences are hard to put into words, but they're important assets for the future.

📍 Housing

In Australia, you're not limited to university dorms. There are also many student housing companies to choose from, such as UniLodge, Scape, iglu and Yugo. They offer a range of room types in major cities, priced about the same as university housing and maybe a bit more than renting from a landlord yourself, but they usually include more facilities and services.

Student apartments also often hold free events that give students chances to socialize and have fun. For students who've just arrived in Australia, a student apartment helps you adjust faster and make new friends; once you know your way around, you can think about moving out. In the end, choose the housing that best fits your needs and budget.

📍 A few words for you

Studying abroad is more than studying; it's a rich journey in life. Beyond textbook knowledge, the growth and experiences of living abroad matter even more. You can broaden your horizons and deepen your understanding of the world by exploring the city, making friends from all over, or finding small joys in daily life. Adapting to local life and handling the unexpected will also become part of your personal growth. Remember to focus on your studies, but also enjoy and explore this unique journey; these experiences will become some of the best memories of your life.

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