My year abroad in Melbourne brought with it amazing opportunities, for both my academic and personal growth

“I was at first slightly daunted by the prospect of a year abroad at Monash University, but I am incredibly pleased that I took the plunge and embarked on my exchange year as my time in Melbourne brought with it a number of amazing opportunities, for both my academic and personal growth.

“For any biologist, the opportunity to study Australian ecosystems is an exciting one, and I was not disappointed. Regular field trips to the bush and the coast exposed me to unique plants and animals endemic to Australia, and as a result, much of the teaching was given from a refreshing new angle. Like all of the University of Sheffield's partner universities, Monash University is highly regarded internationally, and the high standard of teaching gave me the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge that I had learned in my first year at Sheffield.

For any biologist, the opportunity to study Australian ecosystems is an exciting one, and I was not disappointed. Regular field trips to the bush and the coast exposed me to unique plants and animals endemic to Australia, and as a result, much of the teaching was given from a refreshing new angle.

Chris Buckley

MBiolSci Biology with a Year Abroad

“Alongside great educational experiences, I also had the chance to travel to and explore amazing places with friends. During the summer break (Nov-Feb) I made the most of the non-stop sunshine in the Southern Hemisphere and travelled up the east coast of Australia (including Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns), to both islands of New Zealand and then to Bali and Thailand. Along the way, I was able to scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef, snorkel in the Andaman sea, skydive at Mission Beach and jump at the world's first bungee site in New Zealand.

“It is a shame that it all had to come to an end, but I have been left with the burning desire to return to Australia to pursue my future career in life sciences. I am very grateful to the University of Sheffield and Global Opportunities & Exchanges for facilitating the amazing experience that I had, and equally grateful to Monash University for fulfilling the great expectations that I arrived with.”