Since my major back home is Industrial Design, I had to enrol in the Design, Innovation and Technology program. However, RMIT did give me the opportunity to combine this program together with the Master of Disaster, Design and Development (MODDD). This program is new. It explores the boundaries of how design can be used as a strategic tool to help resolve complex global challenges, including poverty, natural disaster, civil conflict and climate change. This program was one of the main reasons why I wanted to go to Melbourne. Of course besides from the sport culture, unique biodiversity, lovely people, and the huge food culture.

After a 32 hour flight, with an eight hour stop in Shanghai, I arrived in Melbourne. Picked up right-away by a very friendly Melbournian taxidriver arranged through RMIT. I arrived in the pouring rain, and this was going to be the weather forecast for the upcoming weeks. Having eight degrees Celsius in Melbourne, and getting beautiful pictures of friends and family in the Netherlands enjoying themselves with a glass of wine in the sun was something I had to get used to. However, seeing penguins on the beach in St Kilda, where I live, was strange at the beginning, knowing Antarctica is just around the corner makes it sound less crazy.

From the beginning I noticed Melbournian folks are very relaxed and friendly people. Besides from CBD nobody is in a rush. This means, running towards the tram is useless since trams depart every 6 to 10 minutes, and asking for an extension because you are not able to meet the deadline is “no big deal”.

In contrast to the intense environment in the Netherlands, it is nice still being able to socialise, do my weekly sport routine, and delivering distinctive results. I followed three full-time courses for four months. Two courses are technology oriented (programming), and one is based on conducting research, design thinking, and disaster management with field trips to different places in Victoria. Everything is arranged by RMIT. RUSU is the student’s union and organizes several free events such as free breakfast on Tuesdays, and a free Chill 'n' Grill lunch on Thursdays including unlimited free cider or beer. 

The weekends are long, and therefore extremely useful to do hiking trips, climbing outdoors or to do winery tours along the Yarra wine valley and set eyes on the friendly kangaroos and koalas. Besides from the coffee tours, food festivals mainly at Victoria Market and heaps of Galleries to visit for free. Melbourne has a lot to offer. 

Even though leaving everything behind in the Netherlands was not easy, and I postponed my summer holiday to November because the semester starts in July. I’m very grateful I was so lucky to participate in this amazing exchange program experience at RMIT. Meanwhile, the weather is great with 23 degrees Celsius, and it is already an experience I will never forget.