Biography
Name: Becca Meline, Class of 2020
Email: rmeline@tulane.edu
Program: University of Melbourne, Australia, Fall 2018
Fields of Study: Psychology and Sociology
How did studying abroad affect your academic and/or professional career?
Studying at a large university in Australia helped open my eyes to the different ways one can receive an education. The classes at Tulane are personal and smaller, while at Uni Melb they are larger and structured differently than what I was used to at Tulane. Through having this experience, I learned to adapt to a new way of teaching and learning. I specifically gained a lot from a developmental psychology class I took. It introduced me to how one may diagnose developmental disabilities and was interesting to me given my background in psychology and sociology.
How did you explore your hobbies, interests, and passions abroad?
Something exciting is always happening in Melbourne, however on the weekends it was fun to explore its surrounding areas. My friends and I often rented a car and took small weekend trips to famous places nearby, such as the Yarra Valley, the Dandenong Ranges, and Great Ocean Road. There were new exhibits at the many nearby museums, so my friends and I often spent a day at a museum for free using our student IDs. Our favorite activity was trying out new foods and enjoying the abundance of art around the city. We explored many markets and tried many restaurants, always sharing so we could try as much as possible!
Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?
Melbourne is a unique and lively city! You can find a specialized coffee shop, live music, and street art on nearly every corner. The university itself has a large and beautiful campus with many parks and a tram station nearby. In Melbourne, everyone is encouraged to be themselves and to have fun. There are local markets to shop at and fun events to attend every day and you can take the tram to get nearly everywhere. Everyone I met in Melbourne, international and local, were so charming and friendly! No wonder it has been voted the MOST livable city in the world for multiple years!
What should students consider when applying and preparing for their time abroad?
Take into consideration the type of physical environment you like to be in. Do you like warm or cold weather? Do you want to live in an urban or rural setting? What are some "must haves" for your personal living situation? As fun as it is to explore a new place, you want to make sure you can live comfortably in it!
Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.
The first time I took the tram alone was a big moment for me! I had to get on in time, find a spot to sit, and know when to get off. I know this seems mundane and simple, yet it was so exciting and empowering to feel like I was finally part of the city. The people next to me would have no clue that I was from America unless they heard me speak! Doing everyday things like taking the tram or going grocery shopping was when I felt most integrated in Melbourne's culture. It was a reminder that I was truly a member of their community. This was definitely a turning point for me and taking the tram to the grocery store soon became a part of my routine that always made me smile!
