Amanda Gostomski

Can you tell us about your studies at UC?

I am currently completing a year-long master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy and writing my dissertation on Tuvalu’s foreign policy and politics. During my BA specialisation in International Affairs, I took courses on international relations, the EU, and French language.

What has been one of your most memorable experiences at UC?

My most memorable experience at UC was my semester on exchange in Aix-en-Provence, France. I spent a semester there studying at Sciences Po Aix. It was an amazing experience in many ways, and I am incredibly grateful to UC for providing this awesome opportunity! Other than meeting new people, exploring a different country, and improving my French, my exchange taught me a lot. I learned about the importance of being adaptable, flexible, and being open to the world.

What are the most valuable things you’ve learned during your studies?

I’m most proud of improving my time management skills, especially relating to assessment deadlines.

My biggest challenge was spending time overseas in a foreign country and learning to become accustomed to the changes there whilst also studying.

Do you have any advice you’d like to pass along to someone study in your area?

Read lots! Whether that be the news, columns, fiction books, etc. You would be surprised how small bits of information gained from anywhere can enrich your understanding of course content. Reading whatever you want means you can increase your reading speed, which means you can get through your course readings faster!

Tell us about your future career goals!

After I complete my Master’s, I plan to get into the workforce or start an internship in a related area.