University of Melbourne Partnership

Activities and excursions are an important piece of your IFSA experience, designed to pull you into the fabric of the communities you visit and encourage cultural connections of every kind. That said, at times, circumstances beyond our control—including local government regulations and health protocols—could impact our ability to hold these events as planned.

Know that we’ll make every effort to run the activities, trips, and excursions slated for your program. You’ll see detailed examples of previous outings offered during this program below. Keep in mind that the options could look different for your program, and that we cannot guarantee these activities, trips, and excursions.

Activities are optional, but they are included in your total program fee. They vary each term based on availability, but activities may include:

• Melbourne City Discovery Tour: Discover the hidden laneways, jazz and wine bars, graffiti lanes and more that make Melbourne eclectic and exciting. Orient yourself with visits to architectural landmarks like Town Hall and Parliament House, and the idyllic botanical gardens.
• Wheelers Centre and State Library Victoria Visit: The Wheelers Centre describes itself as “the cornerstone of Australia’s literary activity,” and hosts engaging speakers and story makers that promote deep thought. Plus, see the State Library Victoria’s dynamic learning space, complete with free study spaces, Wi-Fi, and events.
• Queen Victoria Night Market: Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to experience multicultural Melbourne and its noted food culture. Through cultural reflection, you’ll learn about the theory of everyday multiculturalism and how to recognize it.
• First Peoples Exhibit at Melbourne Museum Visit: This fantastic interactive exhibit tells the stories of the First Peoples of Victoria, past and present.
• NACE Competencies Workshop: Mastering the eight U.S. National Association of Colleges and Employers competencies is essential preparation for college graduates. This IFSA staff workshop helps you make meaningful links between your study abroad experience and career readiness.

IFSA excursions are included in your total program fee and though these are optional, most students choose to participate. They vary each term based on availability, but excursions may include:

• Great Ocean Road Adventure: Travel to the beautiful coastal town of Anglesea—gateway to the 150-mile-long Australian National Heritage Site— for an unforgettable overnight trip. Stay at an eco-resort and enjoy nocturnal animal spotting, coastal hikes, and fossil hunting on this stunning coast.
• Penguin Parade and Phillip Island Adventure: Phillip Island is home to the largest Little Penguin colony in the world. Every day at dusk, hundreds of penguins waddle from the ocean to their family burrows on Summerland Beach. On this overnight trip, you’ll watch the Penguin Parade, plus visit spectacular local wineries and wildlife parks.
• AFL Match: Australian football, created by Australian cricket players to stay fit during winter, is Australia’s most popular sport. Before the excursion, you’ll get to know Australian Football League culture and rules—and learn the local team song, sung by the victorious team and its fans at the end of every game.
• Melbourne Cricket Ground and Sports Museum Tour: This immersive visual journey takes you through the history of Australian sport and its role in Australian culture. Your personalized tour includes a visit to the famous long room, the players changing rooms, and the Ron Casey Media Center.