I couldn't have a bad word to say about my 3 months in Melbourne with SportLived. I had an unreal time, making memories and friends for life. Hockey-wise, the programme was perfectly set up with a hockey club whose members love embracing every SL member, while having teams for all abilities. Melbourne life can be as busy or as chilled as suited; I travelled around Australia in free time, while developing my coaching regularly in the many job opportunities I was given. While having the independence to live the Aussie life, support was always available from the wonderful Kathy, who acted as our 'Australian mum'. The highlights of the arranged social events included a trip to a sold-out MCG and a surf day. While the cost looks scary for a year 12/13 student, I found it wasn't anything a hard-working gap year couldn't manage... and worth every penny!