Exploring the Asia Pacific: How studying the PhB HaSS opened the world for Eduardo
When Eduardo Caceres-Sandoval enrolled in the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) in Humanities and Social Sciences (PhB HaSS) in the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, he didn’t imagine it would take him from the highlands of Papua New Guinea to the heartland of Yunnan, China.
“The program has taken me to lots of interesting places,” he says.
“It’s just been a really great experience so far.”
Offered exclusively at ANU, the only Group of Eight university with a dedicated College focused on the study of Asia and the Pacific, the PhB (HaSS) is a distinctive program designed for high-achieving students who want more than just lectures and textbooks. It blends rigorous academic training with real-world fieldwork, allowing students to conduct original research, receive one-on-one mentorship, and explore the Asia-Pacific region firsthand. For Eduardo, it’s been the perfect launchpad to engage with the Asia-Pacific region beyond the classroom.
“There are very few opportunities like this in Australia,” Eduardo says.
“I love that I’ve been able to dive into research as an undergrad.”
Students tailor their own academic path across disciplines like history, politics, international relations, and linguistics, completing research projects throughout their degree and an Honours thesis in their final year. By studying in the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, students also have access to a supportive network of peers and clubs and societies.
“The PhB HaSS has an incredible sense of community in our student cohort. Student organisations, like the ANU College of Asia & the Pacific Student Society have a lot of crossover with PhB students in their executives, including myself as President.”
But what truly sets the program apart is its deep immersion in the region through field schools and study tours. It’s this immersive academic environment that Eduardo says has made all the difference.
Eduardo’s first international experience was the Papua New Guinea field school (ASIA2097), which combined classroom learning with on-the-ground engagement in a country with rich cultural complexity and strategic importance.
“We visited local clinics, schools and courts, and met professionals working on the frontline of public service. It gave me a new appreciation for how different societies operate,” he says.
Soon after, he joined a three-week language and development study tour in Yunnan, China (ASIA2220), which blended Mandarin language learning with fieldwork on rural development.
“Meeting farmers, local businesspeople and government officials helped me understand rural development in a way I never could from a textbook,” he says.
With strong regional partnerships, expert-led field programs, and a vibrant academic community, the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific offers unmatched opportunities for students to engage with one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
“There’s so much value in being able to learn directly from the region. It’s the best way to understand the Asia-Pacific,” Eduardo says.
PhB (HaSS) graduates leave with more than a degree, they gain critical thinking skills, cultural understanding, and real-world experience that prepares them for careers in international development, diplomacy, academia, and beyond.
“If you’re passionate about research, exploring the Asia-Pacific, and shaping your own academic path, this is the program for you,” Eduardo says.
Ready to explore where this program can take you? Visit the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific website today.