The reason why I chose GLA is because I was very concerned about choosing only one subject for the next 4 years. This program opens up doors to various subjects ranging from philosophy, politics, history, and even economics. It creates a balance of theoretical subjects and applied ones, with two class meetings per week for one subject: one lecture and one tutorial. I find turorial classes interesting, as we discuss our different point of views and it helps us a lot with critical thinking, something that I have never gotten in high school. We get the chance to learn different understanding and perspectives of the same subjects.
During my three semesters in this program, I have seen a mixture of international students create a new cultural melting pot where people coming from different backgrounds are connected to the same goal. I have learned a lot about other cultures, which I think will not be the same by just learning from books. All the courses taught in English can minimize miscommunication between students and teachers, and also help me develop fluidity in my speaking. On the other hand, the improvement of my English skills also helped me a lot in studying Japanese language. Joining this program while living in Japan provided me with a new exposure to the Japanese culture and point of views. I think this cross-cultural exchanges among students at GLA is what the program aims to be, a place where students from different cultures mix and learn together.
The lessons that this program provides are universal. In my first semester, I studied cultural concepts of society, the history of the world, and how dominating western cultures are in shaping them. These new subjects make me question the state of society we are in. I have learned things that I have never even thought about, from basic questions of what is knowledge and how to gain them, to the evolutions of the market economy. This major might be perfect for students who wish to understand more than a one-sided approach to study a subject in their undergraduate years.
This semester, I have also started taking ANU courses which focus more on the international relations aspects of this major, learning about political order in Asian history and the understanding of peace and war. This will contribute greatly to my dream of one day making a difference at the international level, perhaps a seat in the United Nations Economic and Social Council. That has always been one of my dreams since the beginning of high school years. With lessons in this program that supports critical thinking and public speaking skills, I believe I am on the right path of chasing my dreams.