BY AYUSH REGMI

Monash University brought back its study abroad programs for students in July this year after two years of COVID-19 lockdowns.

The Prato Collaborative Design Program in Italy is one of the first opportunities for students to leave for a study abroad trip through Monash University.

Design students from different specialisations are selected to participate in the program.

A total of 24 students study three units at the Monash Prato Centre for 63 days.

The first step of the process involved accepting the trip and paying a deposit to the travel agent, Reho study tours, that facilitates the trip two months prior.

A preparation session was held through a Zoom call during the mid-semester break. Monash Abroad coordinators and accompanying professors gave students a general program overview.

Students paid the remainder of the fee for studying abroad the following month.

The total cost for the Prato trip is around $7000. This covers airfare, lodging, event tickets, Prato Centre use, and week-long trips to Venice and Milan.

Costs could be managed by reducing the number of units the students enrol in and the accommodation type they choose.

Australian citizens can visit Italy visa-free for 90 days, but international students from select countries need a visa.

Third-year international student and communication design student, Kimia Kiani, participated in this year’s Prato design program and said the travel agent, Monash University, and the consulate were very helpful.

“Finding a date through the consulate was difficult, but they were very friendly and helped me figure out all the documents I needed, even though I had some issues,” Ms Kiani said.

Third-year industrial design student Karmen Hadley said it was helpful to meet the people you would travel with beforehand.

“Being able to meet and interact with the other students in the three weeks we spent at Caulfield helped create bonds and building connections before heading off to Prato,” Ms Hadley said.

“I knew a couple of people through previous design classes but hadn’t spoken with them before this program started.”

During the three weeks, professors give students briefings about packing, safety and culture. Group chats are helpful for students to coordinate with each other and manage packing itineraries.

Third-year communications design student Natalia Song said she wanted to ensure she prepared appropriately.

“I was susceptible to overpacking, but I eventually figured it all out,” she said.

“I was initially very anxious about figuring out the documents, but I was glad the process turned out pretty straightforward.”

Monash students can now participate in studying abroad programs in many countries including Malaysia, South Africa, China, and America.