New experiences in a new city for Hansen Scholar Christine

Finding a sense of community in a new city

Christine had always dreamed of studying at the University of Melbourne, and while the generous financial support of the Hansen Scholarship Program helped her make the big move from Canberra, she says it’s the program’s tight-knit community that’s been a defining part of her uni experience.

“The Hansen community has truly been the most fulfilling and supportive environment I've ever experienced. I've met some of my closest friends through this program, and I can't imagine my life without them now.”

“The mentorship from both my cohort and students already in the program has been instrumental in my growth in my first year. Being surrounded by people who genuinely care about my wellbeing and have walked similar paths has created an invaluable support network.”

As part of the Hansen Scholarship Program, students receive fully-funded student accommodation at Little Hall and have access to a development program. Christine says these opportunities have helped her embrace everything Melbourne has to offer.

“Living in the heart of Melbourne has been incredible. The metropolitan lifestyle has been such a shift, and being immersed in this new cultural landscape has been genuinely enriching.”

“Through the development program, I've had the chance to visit the National Gallery of Victoria, which was amazing, and attend theatre performances I probably never would have experienced on my own.”

“It's opened up a whole new side of Melbourne for me and made my time here even more special.”

Following her passion in the Bachelor of Arts

Studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Politics and International relations, Christine describes the jump from high school to uni as both exciting and challenging. But with academic support available on campus, or at University Accommodation and residential colleges for residents, you’ll never be left to figure it out on your own. She says the support from the Little Hall academic team was a big help in adjusting to the new routine.

“They’ve assisted me with everything from exam preparation to stress and time management, which has been invaluable during this period of change.”

“Studying my Bachelor of Arts has been so transformative. I genuinely feel like I'm working on my passion, exploring how people function and how this understanding drives change on both domestic and global scales.”

The chance to learn from the world’s best industry experts is what initially attracted Christine to the University, and she’s continued to be inspired by academics throughout her studies.

“The most influential person I've met at university has been Dr Nira Rahman, my lecturer for Identity and Belonging in Global Asia.”

“Her passion for her work is incredibly infectious - I find myself captivated during every lecture.”

Working towards a global career

There are so many ways to build on your university experience and make it your own, with clubs and sports, internships or study abroad opportunities. For Christine, this meant taking her study overseas through the Yogyakarta Summer Intensive, a course taught in Indonesia.

“The program covers the historical, political, cultural, social, and linguistic factors that have shaped contemporary Indonesia as a nation-state.”

“The fact that it's taught in English as an overseas intensive makes it an incredible opportunity to learn while being immersed in Indonesia itself.”

Gaining a global perspective and experiencing life in Indonesia is helping bring Christine closer towards her dream career.

“My goal after graduation is to work in policy development for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, ideally stationed in Indonesia. Indonesia is one of Australia's most important regional partners, and I'm passionate about making real change to that relationship through informed, culturally-aware policy work.”