University of Melbourne welcomes visiting students through Consortium for Advanced Studies Abroad
Fifteen high-achieving undergraduates have arrived at the University of Melbourne for the Consortium for Advanced Studies Abroad (CASA) Melbourne program. This is the largest CASA cohort yet hosted by the University.
CASA is a non-profit consortium of 12 leading research universities that runs immersive study‑abroad programs. This semester’s cohort comes from across the United States, studying subjects from Computer Science and Engineering to Linguistics and Psychology.
Over 12 teaching weeks, students enrol in non‑award programs to study alongside Australian peers and have their grades credited back to their home institutions.
Before classes begin, CASA students take part in a week‑long academic orientation under the theme “Australia’s Place”, which introduces Melbourne’s social, cultural and historical context and highlights meaningful engagement with Indigenous knowledges.
Ava Steger, who is studying Immunobiology at Brown University in the city of Providence, Rhode Island said: “I chose the CASA Melbourne program because I love exploring nature and wildlife, and I'm looking forward to exploring the coffee and running culture in Melbourne.”
University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) Professor Michael Wesley emphasised the program’s valuable contribution.
“The CASA program reflects our commitment to being an inclusive, globally connected university that equips our students to thrive in complexity,” Professor Wesley said.
"By welcoming outstanding students from other leading universities internationally, we create a vibrant learning environment where diverse perspectives spark creativity and critical thinking. Programs like CASA offer our students distinctive, purpose-driven experiences that equip them to become agile, critical and creative thinkers with a global mindset.”
University of Melbourne Bachelor of Commerce student Jerrod Batallones described the impact of studying on a multicultural campus.
“There’s something powerful about stepping into a new environment and learning alongside people from different backgrounds. Whether it be navigating campus, introducing Australian slang and snacks, or simply sharing perspectives, those moments remind you that the world is far bigger than the bubble you’re used to living in,” Jerrod said.
The University of Melbourne became a CASA host in 2023. Since the program began, the University has had 49 semester students come to campus, emphasising the University’s continued commitment to global engagement and intercultural learning.
The 2026 CASA cohort are:
- Ava Steger, Brown University
- John Kuehnis, Brown University
- Ross Goldbaum, Brown University
- Razeen Ghani, Brown University
- Aiden Noah, Columbia University
- Michaela Markova, Columbia University
- Jennia Zhang, University of Pennsylvania
- Kate Wong, University of Pennsylvania
- Catherine Thompson, Johns Hopkins University
- Andy Luu, Swarthmore College
- Charlotte Sims, Swarthmore College
- Michelle Ramos-Aragon, Amherst College
- Aiden Taghinia, Amherst College
- Katherine Pulido, Amherst College
- Zachary Guo, Amherst College