In 2016 I moved to Canberra from my hometown Adelaide. Like many prospective first-year students I was unsure what I wanted to study. After some hasty advice and a panicked census date, I decided to pick up a flexible double degree in a Bachelor of Laws/Arts. Although I majored in Persian language and minored in Middle Eastern Studies, law occupied the bulk of my academic life. Toward the end of my second year, I decided that my passion lay in the Middle East and Central Asia. I dropped law and transferred my Arts major and minor to a Bachelor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies. As a result, I have been able to focus my studies in a field that both excites and challenges me.

The program has also allowed me to continue my Persian language studies. I have now been studying Persian for 3 years and have thoroughly enjoyed every level. Although the courses are challenging, the Persian program is exceptionally well taught and out of class support is readily accessible. For any prospective students, I would highly recommend exploring the future study of Persian at the ANU.

The Bachelor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies is a neatly designed degree that allows students to both dabble and specialise. For any students interested, bewildered or intrigued by the Middle East and Central Asia, I would highly recommend looking into it.