University of Wisconsin–Madison

Australia: Mhari Gohlke

Program: Monash University Exchange, Spring

Mhari’s Major: Mechanical Engineering

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

Mhari leans on a wooden fence in front of a rocky coast leading to wavy blue waters.
Took a day trip with friends to Phillip Island, on the outskirts of Melbourne.

One of the most memorable experiences from my program was gathering together with a strong group of international friends that I had made throughout the program. Each week, we would plan a night in our busy schedules to meet and have dinner, whether that was ordering pizza or someone cooking a meal from their home country. It was a really fun, bonding experience. I was able to learn about each person’s backgrounds and connect with them as we all were here for similar reasons – to study in a different country.

My advice for someone considering Monash University is to explore everything. School is a priority, and should be your focus, but with how the academic coursework works in Australia, you’re also able to explore quite a bit.

What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?

I learned that it is never too late to ask for help. Although this advice seems generic, I really emphasize the importance of asking for help, whether that is from friends or professors. Towards the end of my course, I was struggling with a rather heavy weighted assignment. I felt pressure to do well on this assignment, and it took feeling despair for me to approach both the professor and my peers for help. As a result, I was able to pass the course and created good relationships with my peers and professor in that course.

What is your advice for someone considering your program? 

A group of students wearing protective gear stand in a laboratory lit in an orange-yellow light.
Had a lab practical at Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication for my Micro and nanotechnologies: Fabrication and applications course.

Go for it! Melbourne is a great city, full of diversity and culture. It is an extremely welcoming area, whether you’re looking for the big city scene or more quiet, scenic views. If you’re into coffee culture, foodie scene, street art, music, sports events, and shopping spots, you’ll enjoy Melbourne a lot. Outside of the CBD is also great hiking trails and wildlife. As for the academics, Monash University is a top-ranking university. There are many resources available to you, and you’re able to create a close-knit community there. My advice for someone considering Monash University is to explore everything. School is a priority, and should be your focus, but with how the academic coursework works in Australia, you’re also able to explore quite a bit. Take advantage of that early – because towards the end of your program, you want to focus on your exams as they are the majority of your final grades.

CRICOS Provider: 00008C