What a month it’s been! With the semester nearing its end, it’s officially time to buckle down and commit to full-on study mode from dawn to dusk. Well… mostly! Melbourne’s spring warmth brings plenty of fun parties and campus activities that make it tempting to trade in textbooks for time outdoors. We even had a Halloween party, though I’ve learned that Australians don’t celebrate Halloween quite like we do back home. Few people here have ever gone trick-or-treating, so it was fun to share stories and see everyone’s unique costumes.

Aside from hitting the books and Halloween celebrations, I took a quick trip to Sydney! The highlight? Scuba diving with gray nurse sharks. It was an incredible experience to see these gentle giants up close and learn about their behavior and conservation. One baby shark we saw has scoliosis and needs Botox injections every three months to improve his quality of life. We even explored the iconic Sydney Opera House and tasted some of the best kebabs I’ve ever had, plus a delicious chicken skewer that hit the spot after a long flight.

This past week marks the start of a series of international adventures! I’m currently writing this on a nine-hour flight to Thailand. We’re staying in Bangkok, where I’m eager to try Thai cuisine and, hopefully, enjoy some sunshine! Spring in Melbourne has been unusually rainy, so the chance to soak up some rays on Bangkok’s bustling streets and maybe hit a beach or two sounds ideal.

Before heading out, I picked up some handy travel tips from a local character — a bike mechanic by day and a fashion photographer by night. He suggested I bring an AM/FM radio for exploring Thailand, which I thought was an interesting tip. Apparently, tuning in to local stations is a great way to get a feel for the vibe of each place we visit.

After Thailand, the adventure continues with stops in Cairns and Vietnam. I’m especially looking forward to spending a week in Vietnam, exploring everything from street food stalls to bustling night markets with my travel buddies. After Vietnam, they’ll head back while I fly solo to Fiji. I can’t think of a better way to cap off my semester abroad than with a two-week stay on Fiji’s beaches — studying hard and diving into assessments is all worth it with this tropical reward in sight.

If you’re thinking of doing your own travel to Australia or the surrounding areas, here are some of my top tips to make the most of it:

1. Fly with Jetstar: They offer tons of affordable options, especially if you’re willing to be flexible with travel amenities.

2. Hunt for discounts: There are always good deals, especially for last-minute flights. It pays to spend a bit of time searching.

3. Stay in hostels: Hostels here are safe, social and an ideal way to meet other travelers without breaking the bank.

4. Try local food spots: Don’t skip the “hole-in-the-wall” places. As long as the food’s cooked, you’ll find incredible flavors that you might not find in the touristy spots.

5. Pack light: Australian airlines can be strict with baggage limits, especially for carry-ons, so only bring the essentials.

This month has been an unforgettable blend of hard work, new friendships and exciting travels. Here’s to more adventures, and the invaluable memories and lessons that come with them!

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Monash University