Julie
United States of America
Institution: Flinders University
Having already enjoyed a year overseas during her undergraduate degree,
Julie decided to combine two goals—living abroad again and qualifying as
a doctor—by applying to study graduate medicine in Australia.
“I thought Australia would be a nice place to spend four years, as the
culture and people are similar to the US,” she says.
Julie has found studying medicine in Australia less stressful than in
the US. Staff are approachable, and student-teacher interactions are
good. “There is an emphasis on group work, and fewer lectures.”
She also appreciates the shorter hours of hospital work: “It’s nice not
to feel constantly worn out.”
“In the US they require students to pull regular all-night shifts. They
treat students here in a more humane way.”
Julie feels confident that her degree is easily transferable to the US
equivalent. She also feels positive about succeeding in her career,
because Australian medical schools are highly respected in the US.
Although she does feel homesick, Julie has found Australia welcoming,
with lots of different cultures and many new things to see. People
considering studying in Australia “should definitely do it.”