Degree at CAP prepares student for Asia-Pacific career
Before joining the Australian National University (ANU), Lourdes Bernadette was determined to find a program that would allow her to combine her interests and ambitions—academic, personal, and professional. Her goals included learning another language, undertaking an overseas exchange in the Asia-Pacific region, connecting with her cultural heritage and studying under leading experts across a variety of disciplines.
These aspirations brought her to the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP), where she embarked on a Flexible Double Degree combining a Bachelor of International Security Studies and a Bachelor of Arts.
“As someone who’s ethnic identity is deeply rooted in the region, I believe studying the cultures and languages of the Indo-Pacific will help me understand the region better, which I can utilise in my future career,” she said.
What particularly drew Lourdes to CAP was its exceptional range of Asia-Pacific languages, including many that are not offered at any other university. This unique diversity enables students to pair regional studies with immersive language learning, gaining both cultural insights and professional expertise. Recognising the value of language skills in today’s globalised world, Lourdes chose to study Hindi, one of India’s official languages.
“My advanced Hindi skills will open up more opportunities for a career that contributes to the Australia-India bilateral relationship,” Lourdes shared.
Beyond language, studying at CAP also gave Lourdes access to a community of leading experts in Asia-Pacific studies. This hub of knowledge has enriched her education, offering her a robust understanding of the region and a network of scholars and practitioners.
Graduating from CAP, Lourdes will leave with a unique combination of language skills, Asia-Pacific insights and a broad professional network.
“Studying at CAP, and being able to access this network, is such a unique experience that has strengthened my understanding of the region,” Lourdes explained.
Study overseas experiences
Lourdes was awarded a 2025 New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship, an initiative designed to build deeper connections between Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Through this program, Lourdes will travel to India and Indonesia to gain hands-on experience, applying her knowledge of human security, Indonesian cultures, and Hindi language in real-world contexts.
“I am excited to immerse myself in the cultures and languages that I have spent years studying about!”
With a dedicated focus on the Asia-Pacific region, CAP recognises the importance of in-country learning experiences. These opportunities help students deepen their cultural understanding, enhance language skills and broaden their global perspective.
To support this, CAP offers a range of overseas study options, including short-term in-country courses and immersive programs such as the Year in Asia, empowering students to bring their studies to life in the heart of the region.
Reflecting on her four years at ANU, Lourdes is amazed at how much she has accomplished. From advancing her Hindi language skills to preparing for exchanges to India and Indonesia, she has not only deepened her understanding of the Asia-Pacific region but also fast-tracked her studies to pursue two undergraduate degrees.
If an immersive Asia-Pacific focused education interests you, enquire today about the leading undergraduate programs available at CAP: https://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/study