I am a diplomat and public service officer from Thailand and I’m currently pursuing a master of engaging Asia at the Australian National University (ANU).
I’m grateful to have received the Australian government scholarship in 2022, also known as the Australia Awards, which has given me incredible opportunities to further my studies.
I chose ANU because of its global academic ranking and outstanding reputation for supplying high-quality education and exceptional academic experience. I’m excited and thrilled to be studying alongside top-notch experts, renowned scholars and talented students from around the world.
The university also offers a small number of colleagues from whom I can feel a sense of personalised attention, encouraging me to take part in deeper discussions and an interactive learning environment.
One of the highlights during my studies was when I had the opportunity to study and interact with experts and government officials. For example, in the course “contemporary issues in diplomacy”, I had the chance to discuss issues in diplomacy and international affairs with Estonian and Afghanistan ambassadors to Australia.
I also had the opportunity to take the course “unravelling complexity”, an interdisciplinary course that allowed students from different fields, both undergraduate and postgraduate, to critically analyse and explore innovative solutions to ongoing global problems such as climate change and human rights. The critical and analytical skills I gained in classes were immensely useful and practical for me to use in my professional career.
The university also often hosts a series of public lectures for students featuring notable figures such as Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the foreign minister of Laos on diplomatic relations with Australia, and a series of renowned scholars and experts on climate change, democracy and diplomacy. These valuable opportunities allow me to get into genuine conversations with those active in the industry today and understand the real world’s challenges and limitations.
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What’s more, I really appreciate ANU’s extensive range of support services, which have been helpful to me from day one. The orientation week (O-Week) was a fantastic start to getting to know the university.
During that week, I took part in various activities, including a historical tour of the campus, library tours and exploring different student clubs. One thing I particularly enjoy is the academic skills service, which provides useful resources and guidance for students on referencing and academic integrity, and weekly English-speaking clubs.
There are also plenty of leisure activities run by the university and students’ clubs throughout the semester to help me to succeed academically.
Finding accommodation in Canberra either on-campus or off-campus can be a challenge for many students. ANU offers a wide range of residential options, from a single studio with meals to shared rooms.
Although there is a selective process when applying for ANU accommodation, I was fortunate to stay on campus at ANU Ursula Hall (Laurus Wing). At Ursula Hall, I feel like I have found a second home, a place where I met international friends and enjoyed social and networking activities.
My accommodation organises many events, including an academic dinner, public talks by renowned guests and cultural activities throughout the year. This valuable experience would be difficult to find if you were living off-campus. If you’re ever considering studying at ANU, I highly recommend staying on campus – it was one of the right decisions for me.
Finally, studying abroad can be a challenging experience both academically and personally. During my experience in Canberra, I met such challenges as cultural disparities, feelings of homesickness and academic stress.
To overcome these challenges, I placed importance on my physical and emotional well-being, which included discovering new places, trying out different types of cuisine and engaging in social activities. It is important to build a network with fellow students because it will create positive memories and long-lasting friendships that will last a lifetime.
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