Bachelor of Arts in Education and European and European Union Studies, with a minor Psychology
Master of European Union Studies
What are you up to at UC?
I鈥檓 doing a taught master鈥檚 degree in European Union studies. My thesis focuses on the integration of refugee children in Europe. Ultimately I'd like to see more of a bicultural approach with refugee kids, rather than just assimilating them into European culture.
Do you have a particular interest in Europe?
I do! I was raised in Germany but I have a Kiwi passport. I came to UC to study education and psychology but I fell in love with the passionate lecturers in the National Centre for Research on Europe. The global perspective they offer really appealed to me.
What kind of doors is your degree opening up for you?
Nowadays a lot of companies are looking for consultants to help them deal with the European Union. My degree teaches a lot of diplomacy and negotiation skills, but personally I'm interested in something called 鈥渕onitoring and evaluation鈥. That's where you go into big organisations like the UN and look at how they implement their programmes.
What made you choose UC?
It seemed the most open to diversity and friendly towards different cultures. I was prepared to change my mind, but when I arrived I just loved the campus. It鈥檚 so green and everything is so centralised. The staff are excellent too. Every single one of my professors knows me and says hello. It's relaxed and there is a big focus on individuality, so I know they have my well-being at heart.
Has your degree seen you do a lot of travel and internships?
Yes, loads. I鈥檝e been to a conference in Melbourne and on exchange to Singapore. At the end of my degree I'm doing an internship in Singapore at the Asia Europe Foundation. I鈥檒l also be doing a field trip to Germany for my research.
Sounds like great international exposure!
Even though it鈥檚 far away, UC is a great place to study international issues. It鈥檚 well-rounded and you get to see the world through a relatively unbiased lens. If you want to go on exchange or do an international internship there are loads of opportunities. UC is partnered with so many amazing high-class universities around the world.
If you had to pick a word to describe UC, what would it be?
Enabling. Empowering. Inclusive. That鈥檚 three!
