Should I Study Abroad in Perth, Melbourne, or Sydney
 

Hi, I am a college student from the United States. I am planning on studying abroad next July-November. Through my school I can go to either Perth- Edith Cowan University, Melbourne-Monash University, or Sydney- University of Western Sydney. I have heard so many different opinions about each place that I am very confused and have no idea where I want to go. People say they love Perth but I also hear that it's so far away there's nowhere to travel or things to see. But it is close to Southeast Asia, so you could travel there for a week or so. I've heard Sydney is wonderful and there are many things to do, but the campus is actually kinda far from the actual city it takes a while to get there, and the city is like a big city in the US. I haven't heard a whole lot about Melbourne, but I've read it's a good place, I don't know where the campus is relative to the city and the school is pretty hard and more expensive. I really need some help. I am thinking of spending a couple weeks after school, late november early december, to travel around where i haven't seen. Any advice would be useful, and also suggestions on where to visit when I'm traveling around after i'm out of school.

Try and get hold of a Good University Guide which should tell you more about the Universities than most of us could. <BR>As far as I know, and I have a son at the University of Western Sydney, Monash University has the best reputation and is the oldest established Uni. out of the three listed. At the risk of upsetting the Perth people again Perth is still 4 hours flying time to the nearest place in Asia and its also 4 hours to Sydney too. <BR>Get the guide and get a unbiased opinion.

Thanks for your reply. I am really interested in the place and area around the place I live more than the actual university I attend. Anyone who has any comments about the actual cities and the closeness of the campus to the cities would be great. Thanks

Previous poster was correct - Monash does have the best reputation out of the three. Campus location is much better than University of Sydney (WS). Western Sydney, depending on which campus you go to, can be a very long way from the city. Melbourne, in this case is better for variety, shopping, culture, nightlife. It will probably rain quite a bit, but that is the charm of Victoria. Perth is a beautiful city, but I don't know much about Edith Cowan, trust what you have heard. Depending on what you want to see in SE Asia, it doesn't make that much difference where you come from. If it was me, I would go to Monash.

I would have to agree with previous responses-Monash. Melbourne is a great city that has so much on offer for everyone. There are so many tourist sites to see; Melbourne Aquarium, Crown Casino, Rialto Towers, St.Kilda beach etc. Places to shop; Bridge rd, Victoria Markets etc. The nightlife is electric along roads such as Chapel st, Lygon st etc. During holidays you can even head further out to scenic places like Mt Buller or Phillip Island. I hope this helps a little!

Firstly, apologies to anyone I may offend. Monash is definately the best university from those mentioned. I live in Sydney and the University of Western Sydney is not a university of first choice for most Sydney students.

Hi Andrea,<BR><BR>I don't know about the other two universities, but I studied at Monash. Just note that if you decide on Monash University, you should check out which campus you will be spending most of your time, Clayton campus and Caulfield campus are close to Melbourne City and one of the major shopping centres (Chadstone). Other campuses Frankston, Gippsland are slightly further out from the city. Also, it depends what your are planning to study. <BR><BR>Cheers!<BR>Fiona