Wei Wei Ma

After working for a global event management company in Hong Kong, Wei Wei Ma made the move to Australia to study at Monash University. She completed a Bachelor of Business and Commerce and went on to work as a Graduate Audit Assistant for an accounting firm in Victoria, Australia.

Name: Wei Wei Ma

Course studied: Bachelor of Business and Commerce specialising in Accounting

Year completed: 2004

Campus: Gippsland

Place of origin: Shanghai, China

Monash University's global reputation

Wei Wei chose to study at Monash University because of its excellent reputation.

"My friends in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore recognise Monash as a good university. Since it's so large with a wide range of courses, there is flexibility in what you can do. Also, the lecturers, facilities and teaching aides are very helpful."

She found that the library was equipped with state-of-the-art technology, which made study easier, and helped her keep in touch with her friends and family at home.

Wei Wei also found work translating for new Chinese students. This gave her extra opportunities to improve her English skills and make friends.

Course choice and flexibility

"The Bachelor of Business and Commerce allows you the flexibility to switch from one area of interest to another. It allowed me to do an accounting specialisation and gave me the subjects to apply for CPA and CA accreditation. Monash has really broadened my career horizons".

Excellent student support

The friendly staff and students at Monash's Gippsland campus made it easy to adjust to living in Australia .

"Monash has people from all over the world. The Gippsland campus is very friendly, with a good mix of local and international students and great study resources. Besides studying you can really have a social life."

"I was a committee member with the Badminton Club, where I learned a range of skills. We played many social, casual games. It doesn't matter how good you are, people just want to have fun."

"We have a national park within five minutes drive from campus. It's very relaxing. Out here, there are fewer distractions and fewer things to spend money on. It is a good place to start being independent."

Wei Wei's advice

"You must see your study as a good experience rather than comparing your country with Australia . If you are positive you will appreciate what you experience learn as much as you can from it."

Wei Wei plans to concentrate on her accounting career and then become a chartered accountant and go back to China to start her own company or join a big accounting firm.