“The ANU provided me with the opportunity to move out of home and study at a world class university, adding extra weight to any degree completed here in both the academic and professional spheres. The ANU through CAIS also offered courses that were in line with my interests and an opportunity to develop academic contacts within my chosen field of study.

Being enrolled in the BMECAS has provided me with the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the Middle East and Central Asia. Such knowledge is invaluable in many professions considering the continued importance of the region to the global economy and global security.

Also studying a BMECAS has allowed me to learn from a wide variety of respected academics and form contacts within the academic field should I choose to pursue a career in academia.
Another benefit of a BMECAS is the chance to learn a Middle Eastern language, in my case Arabic, from excellent lecturers. All of the languages offered here at CAIS are invaluable to any prospective career and I believe my knowledge of the Arabic language will allow me to experience a completely different culture from a more natural perspective. At the end of this year I will be going with my classmates in Intermediate Arabic to Doha University in Qatar for a six week Applied Arabic program.

Once I finish my degree, I think further study, (whether that be Honours or Masters) is the most likely direction that I will be heading.”