Melbourne, the city that I will love forever… Travelling to Melbourne was a roller coaster ride: in preparation for travel there was so much paperwork needed to be done, but trust me, it was worth it. I arrived in Melbourne from Islamabad after a long flight and the moment I saw the city I knew that I had made an excellent choice. The weather was perfect as I arrived in Mid-February, which is mid-summer in Australia. Melbourne is a very multi-cultural city and is incredibly lively compared to Vancouver. It also has the world’s most extensive transport network, which makes any corner of the city easily accessible.
Federation Square is one of the popular places of Melbourne. I got the opportunity to experience eight different types of festivals here ranging from Moomba, which is Australia’s largest festival, to Buddha’s festival. Federation Square is the most visited attraction in Melbourne. One of the best things of the Melbourne Central Business District is that there is a free tram zone between major attractions. Instead of walking you can take the tram and explore almost all of Melbourne’s major attractions in the city’s business district.
Australians are very relaxed and outgoing people. Within a few days, I was very much adjusted with the local people. The amount of support that I got from Monash University was simply amazing. Monash Orientation Week was one of my favorite experiences there and I got the chance to meet and interact with many exchange students. Monash also has a very similar study pattern as compared to that of SFU.
During my first weekend in Australia, I visited this spectacular place called The 12 Apostles. It is a collection of limestone stacks off the shore of the Port Campbell National Park and is one of the most beautiful places that I have seen in my life. The scenery is so eye-catching that for a moment you think that you are looking at a perfect picture drawn by an artist. On the way to the 12 Apostles, I got the chance to experience the scenic drive, known as the Great Ocean Road on the southern coast of Victoria.
During the mid-semester break, I went to Sydney. Behind me is the famous Sydney opera house. It was my dream to see this architectural marvel and of course to climb the Sydney harbor bridge. I spent five nights in Sydney. They were truly memorable.
Melbourne justly lives up to its reputation as one of the most livable city in the world. Its people, food, culture and lifestyle are so incredible that at the end of my exchange semester, it is very hard and emotional for me to leave this city. Exchange is a life-changing experience, during which you get the chance to discover yourself. I strongly recommend Monash University, Australia for an amazing exchange experience.
BIO:
Aizaz Khan is a 4th year student at the Beedie School of Business concentrating in Management Information Systems and Operations Management. He is currently on exchange at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. He enjoys experiencing different cultures and meeting new people. You can reach him at aizazk@sfu.ca