From Law to French Cinema: Two Students, One Unforgettable ANU Journey

When Belle started at ANU, she was studying law. Today, she’s teaching a subject that once inspired her to switch degrees — and writing a PhD on girlhood in French cinema.

Sophie moved to Canberra from Maitland, chasing a degree that didn’t exist in her local options. She thought Canberra would be all politicians and puffer jackets. What she found instead was lifelong friends, embassy internships, and more support than she ever expected.

In this heartfelt episode, Rob sits down with Belle and Sophie at the ANU booth in Melbourne to unpack what really makes ANU unique — and why more students than ever are choosing to move for university.

Highlights include:

• 🎓 How ANU supports students to change degrees — even halfway through a law course

• 🧳 What it’s like moving to Canberra from interstate (and why it’s not as scary as it sounds)

• 🎬 How Belle went from student to tutor in her dream subject

• 🌏 Internships with embassies and New Colombo Plan opportunities in Indonesia

• 💬 Honest advice for 16-year-olds stressing about ATARs and “getting it right”

  
  

What shines through in this episode is how much students grow — not just academically, but personally — when they step outside their comfort zone. From the importance of curiosity to the power of starting fresh, Belle and Sophie share a refreshingly honest take on finding your place at university… even if it’s not where you expected to end up.

Global Horizons is a production of The Global Society, Australia’s Learning Abroad support company. Our editor is Len Zamora and our distribution specialist is Gelo Ablao. Rob Malicki is the executive editor and host.
The podcast wouldn’t be possible without The Koala News, Australia’s international education news website.
This episode is supported by Choosing Your Uni, Australia's unique, AI-powered platform that helps domestic and international students to find the right institution for them, and that helps Australian institutions to access new markets.

For guest suggestions and feedback, email podcast@globalsociety.com.au