Building a Home Away from Home at ANU

Navigating the World Through Interdisciplinary Learning

Growing up in Thailand as a half-Thai, half-Japanese individual, I was exposed to diverse cultures and perspectives from a young age. This experience made me naturally curious about different cultures, languages, and international relations. Despite being a STEM student in high school, I often found myself drawn to storytelling competitions, spelling bee contests, and language exchange events on weekends. It was during this time that I realized my passion for studying abroad, thriving in an international environment, and building meaningful connections with people from around the world.

Moving to Japan for my undergraduate studies not only strengthened my connection to my Japanese heritage but also contributed to my personal and intellectual growth. I chose GLA for its interdisciplinary approach and dual degree program with ANU, which provides a unique opportunity to explore diverse fields such as international affairs, political sociology, and economics. The program’s emphasis on dynamic global issues, research, and critical thinking aligns perfectly with my ambition to work in a cross-cultural environment.

In the near future, I aspire to become a consultant specializing in international business strategy and foreign affairs. With my multicultural background and the knowledge and skills I am developing at RU and ANU, I hope to help businesses expand globally and bridge cultural differences in the corporate world.

From Southeast Asia to the Asia-Pacific 

The schedule for my first semester at ANU was centred around the theme "From Southeast Asia to the Asia-Pacific" as I aimed to connect my knowledge of Southeast Asia with the broader Asia-Pacific region. I wanted to explore regional issues from historical, political, and human rights perspectives. To achieve this, I selected courses such as Human Rights in Asia, Human Migration and Expansion in the Rise of Asia-Pacific, and History of International Relations of Northeast Asia to deepen my understanding of socio-political dynamics in the region. Additionally, The Making of Modern Japan provided historical insights that supported my studies in international relations.

To manage my time effectively, I balanced lecture-based courses with discussion-based sessions and set aside time to review reading materials before joining the tutorial classes. This approach helped me grasp key topics before engaging in group discussions, allowing me to build a strong foundation in global governance and diplomacy, which aligns with my future career goals.

Shift My Emphasis Toward My Interests 

In my second semester at ANU, I continued to focus on connecting Southeast Asia with the broader Asia-Pacific but shifted my emphasis toward my interests—particularly in economics, politics, and aviation. I chose Airlines in Asia and the Pacific to explore how aviation shapes a nation’s history and regional connectivity, Asian Economies to examine sustainable economic growth through the lens of Doughnut Economics, and Asia’s Changing Politics to compare political dynamics across different countries. Additionally, I took Japanese 6 to improve my language skills in preparation for job hunting in Japan.

With a packed schedule, I made sure to plan my time efficiently so that I could also travel more in Australia before the Fall semester ended. To manage everything, I prioritized my studies first, scheduled my work shifts around them, and organized my trips in advance before the mid-semester break. Thanks to this approach, I was able to enjoy traveling without falling behind in my courses!

Beyond the Classroom: Embracing Student Life at ANU Campus

At ANU, I took part in several activities that enriched my university experience beyond academics. I attended the 2023 CAP Ball, joined a trial session of The Australian National Model United Nations, and took advantage of student perks to get free food from the ANU Food Pantry. These experiences allowed me to meet new people, engage with different communities, and gain a deeper understanding of student life. I was also a member of the badminton club, where I regularly connected with students from various majors and built meaningful friendships. Playing sports and taking evening walks around campus became my way to unwind, relieve stress, and take a break from studying. 

Beyond campus, I worked part-time as a waitress at a Thai restaurant in Kingston Foreshore, which gave me valuable work experience and helped me develop time management skills. More than just a source of extra income, this job provided a comforting space where I could speak Thai, enjoy authentic Thai cuisine, and feel at home while studying in Australia. 

These experiences not only helped me grow personally and professionally but also made my time at ANU truly unforgettable. They taught me the importance of time management, adaptability, and building strong connections with people, skills that will be invaluable in my future career and the memories I will cherish as an ANU student.

Building a Home Away from Home at ANU

Living in the ANU dormitory was a heartwarming experience that allowed me to form strong connections with students from different backgrounds. From evening movie nights, and pool games to weekly free dinners in the common room, dorm life became a place where I built lasting friendships and shared meaningful experiences with other international students.

Adjusting to communal living had its challenges, but it taught me valuable lessons in communication, flexibility, and trust. I was fortunate to have supportive community coordinators and student residents who regularly checked in, organized weekly events, and gave advice on making the most of our time in Australia.

Through these events, I met my best friend from Malaysia, and our morning routine of grabbing coffee and snacks before class became one of my favorite parts of university life.　Thanks to my roommate who always showed interests and enjoyed my Thai cuisine, I felt at home despite being far away. After long days on campus, coming back to a welcoming and supportive community made all the difference. Dorm life at ANU wasn’t just about having a place to stay, it was about creating a home away from home.