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Meet Alikhlas Lahaya, a driven and determined student who embarked on his joint master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy at the Australian ������ýapp University (ANU) in June 2024. With nearly a decade of professional experience working with various institutions in his home country, Ikal’s decision to further his education reflects his commitment to personal growth and his passion for global engagement. This new chapter in his life has brought both challenges and opportunities, profoundly enriching his understanding of the world.

Ikal’s background in international relations gave him a strong foundation for his studies, but he soon discovered that the ANU experience was unlike anything he had previously encountered. The courses he has taken have introduced him to cutting-edge concepts, while the diverse perspectives of his classmates have broadened his understanding of diplomacy and law. “The people I’ve met and the subjects I’ve studied have been incredible,” Ikal shares. “It’s not just about building knowledge—it’s about expanding horizons and challenging myself in ways I never imagined.”

A Multicultural Experience and Overcoming Challenges

For Ikal, the most transformative part of his ANU experience has been the vibrant and inclusive student life. Living at Ursula Hall, he has had the rare opportunity to engage with peers he is proud to call international best friends across the globe,   from Middle Eastern countries to Pacific Islands nations. This exposure to such a rich tapestry of cultures has deepened his appreciation for diversity. “Meeting people from all over the world has been eye-opening,” he reflects. “It has helped me to understand different perspectives and appreciate the richness of other cultures. Even simple things like sharing meals and conversations have been transformative.”

However, this cultural immersion did not come without its challenges. Despite his extensive experience, Ikal found adapting to the nuances of accents and language challenging. “I thought I was prepared to handle any situation, but I quickly realized that adapting to new environments requires more than just knowledge,” he admits. “The language barrier, particularly the accents and slang, was a significant hurdle.”

To overcome these challenges, Ikal turned to the ANU Academic Skills team, which provided him with invaluable support “The Academic Skills team not only helped me understand the course content but also boosted my confidence in navigating diverse accents and expressions. Their support made all the difference,” he adds.

Ikal’s proactive approach extended to taking full advantage of ANU’s Careers and Employability services. Programs like the Career Passport helped him refine his resume and build a professional profile tailored to his career aspirations.

“These services are so important,” he says. “They ensure that when we graduate, we’re not just academically equipped but also professionally prepared to face the challenges of the global job market.”