My study abroad program was an amazing experience that let me explore new avenues in my academic journey and discover things to enjoy in my personal life.

First, my study abroad in Melbourne helped me significantly improve my lab and biochemistry skills as I learned in a completely new environment. The Monash campus was large and beautiful like MSU’s but had significant cultural differences that continually gave me opportunities to learn new skills and meet new people. For example, classes taught at Monash were much longer compared to MSU classes on average, usually about 2 or 3 hours each class which forced me to work on in class learning skills like keeping my attention focused for that entire time!

One myth about study abroad, or at the very least an understatement, is that you will meet new people from different cultures, religions, and regions of the world. In my personal journey I got to meet MANY new people from all around Australia, Asia, and Europe. From classes, clubs, and even people living on my floor, I talked with people from dozens of countries and heard many more languages than just Spanish in my daily life! I feel more confident than ever to work with and engage with people from all over the world after spending so much time with them and becoming fast friends.

Overall, my program to Melbourne was great in so many ways. From getting such a high-quality education, to exploring a huge and interesting city, and being able to make new friends.

Australia in general was just a treat to explore. I got to hike up a beautiful mountain with trees that towered over a hundred feet into the sky and see thousands of penguins leap out of the ocean heading to their natural habitat and of course see the largest and most beautiful reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef. The natural beauty alone is reason enough to visit Australia, but to also get to experience the culture and life in Australia for several months thanks to my semester abroad makes me incredibly thankful I was given the opportunity.

Name: Cooper Sackett
Status: Junior
Major: Biochemistry/Biotechnology
Hometown: DeWitt, Michigan
Program: Monash University