Alex Russell

"My classmates are my best friends, and we study together and help each other out as often as we can!"

Current University: University of Sydney
Program of Study: Bachelor of Veterinary Science
Home University: Graduate of University of Guelph

Why Australia?

I have always wanted to study abroad, but being an athlete at Guelph, I never had the opportunity to do so during my undergrad.  When I found out that I could go to a fully-accredited veterinary school in Australia, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity!  Five years of beaches, fantastic weather, and a great education?  Yes please! 

What has been the best part of your experience so far?

Sydney is such a diverse and interesting city, and this is reflected within the school.  I’ve had the chance to meet and study with so many remarkable people from all around the world!

What has been the most challenging part of your experience so far?

Definitely being so far away from my family and friends.  I had several fleeting “What am I doing here, what have I done?!” moments when I first arrived and realized that both time and expenses would prevent me from hopping on a plane for a weekend home when I felt homesick.  But after making friends and creating a new life for myself, I’ve come to love Sydney as my home away from home.  Skype helps, too!

What are your thoughts about Sydney's Veterinary Program after Year 1?

It’s the best learning environment I could have asked for!  I’m not someone who thrives well in a cutthroat and competitive environment, and at Sydney our program does not rank us in any way.  The faculty wants each student to thrive and do well in the program, and that feeling is reflected within my class.  My classmates are my best friends, and we study together and help each other out as often as we can!  It makes the whole experience so much better. 

What are you most looking forward to in the program in Year 2 and beyond?

Year 1 covered the basics, and starting in Year 2 we’re going to delve into the more clinical aspects of veterinary medicine.  I can’t wait!

What do you miss most about Canada?

Is it weird if I say Tim Horton’s?  Because I think it’s true.  A good cup of coffee from a pot is non-existent in Australia!

What are some of the differences you've noticed living in Australia?

As far as accommodations go, the biggest difference (that definitely threw me off at first) is that prices are listed as per week instead of per month.  When initially looking for a place to live, I was shocked at how affordable housing appeared to be until I realized my mistake!  So that’s definitely something to keep in mind.  And obviously, as you would expect in any major city, you get very little space for a very large price tag!  Classes at Sydney are generally very comparable to the classes I took at Guelph, so there wasn’t much of an adjustment to make in that department.  And all around, I’d say that Australians are a very laid-back and social bunch, so it’s extremely easy to make friends and have a great time while you’re there.

How did you initially find out about the University of Sydney's program?

Through GlobaLinks Learning Abroad!  I was disappointed at my graduation from Guelph because I hadn’t been accepted into any North American schools, when an awesome GlobaLinks Learning Abroad representative informed me that I could still apply to Sydney to begin classes the following February.  She then told me that Sydney was a fully-accredited school of veterinary medicine (something I had no idea of before), and that it would enable me to return to North America to practice after completing my degree if I wanted.  From then on it was a done deal in my opinion!

What was your experience applying through GlobaLinks Learning Abroad?

It was fantastic.  After going through the exhausting and time-consuming application process for North American schools in the months before, this seemed so easy!  All I had to do was send them the documents needed for the applications (listed out nicely on the Degrees Overseas webpage) and they did the rest.  Before I knew it my acceptance letter was in my inbox!

Any advice and/or tips for students who are about to depart for their studies?

When you get there, do your best to attend every student orientation and welcoming party available to you, no matter how lame they may seem!  I met so many great people this way, and I shudder to think of all the wonderful friendships I would have missed out on had I not attended.  And right off the bat, I would recommend learning the difference between rugby league, rugby union, and Australian football, because it will make you appear infinitely more cool to the Australians you meet when you’re not mixing them up!  And my last bit of advice is: no matter how hard they may try and convince you, never try Vegemite.  You will regret it!