Flexible double degree supports student to find passion for Asia Pacific
Like many students, Amandine Ong was unsure about her career path when she started her undergraduate degree.
After exploring different programs, she finally found her passion for languages and Asia-Pacific studies at the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP).
Inspired by her growing interest in the Indo-Pacific region, Amandine decided to take on a Flexible Double Degree, combining a Bachelor of Asian Studies and Bachelor of International Security Studies. She credits the program’s flexible study options for allowing her to explore and deepen her interests.
“The Asia-Pacific wasn’t on my radar at first but doing courses which were Asia-Pacific oriented introduced me to the dynamics and importance of our region,” she said.
The Australian National University (ANU) Flexible Double Degree program allows students to study two bachelor's degrees at the same time and graduate with two qualifications in a heavily reduced study period.
This flexibility offers a wide range of subjects to students which helped Amandine tailor her academic journey by combining two distinct disciplines, broadening her interests and skillset. Now in the final year of her studies, she reflects on her path with gratitude, knowing her experiences at CAP have shaped her both academically and personally.
Amandine’s professional development at CAP
Amandine’s passion for the Asia-Pacific wasn’t limited to the classroom. Her time at CAP also introduced her to a thriving community of like-minded students and countless opportunities for leadership and engagement.
Seizing these opportunities, she participated in the 2023 Asia Pacific Week internship, became an active member of the College of Asia and the Pacific Student Society (CAPSS), and attended a diverse range of events organised by the CAP Regional Institutes.
“There are so many opportunities at CAP. Thanks to these I've been able to grow, build networks, and make the most of my time here,” she said.
The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific prides itself on offering students a broad range of extracurricular and professional development opportunities to enhance their study experience and create globally competitive graduates.
The College is strategically located in Canberra to provide access to the heart of politics and policy in Australia. Programs such as the Australian National Internship Program (ANIP) and the College’s strong connections to government and industry provide students with a direct line to Asia Pacific-focused events, conferences and networks.
A life-changing opportunity in the Asia-Pacific
Amandine was successfully awarded a 2025 New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship, an initiative designed to build deeper connections between Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. She credits her time at CAP for playing a key role in securing this remarkable opportunity.
"It was easy for me to build upon the knowledge I had already gained and make a strong case for why I was a good fit for NCP," she said.
As part of her scholarship program, Amandine plans to spend six months in Singapore, followed by an extended period of language training and cultural immersion in Indonesia.
Many CAP students aspire to study overseas during their degree, recognising the immense value it adds to their academic and personal growth. Studying overseas provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures, gain a deeper understanding of the region they are studying, and develop critical cross-cultural communication skills. To help make this possible, CAP has a dedicated mobility team that supports students with travel arrangements and exchange opportunities throughout their academic journey.
Looking ahead
Amandine is eager to combine her academic background at CAP with the practical experience she will gain through her NCP sponsored exchange. Her ambition is to pursue a career in policy development within the Australian Public Service or take on research-focused that shape Australia’s future.
The Bachelor of International Security Studies and Bachelor of Asian Studies equips students with the practical skills and knowledge to become future leaders in a range of fields including defence policy, foreign affairs, intelligence agencies, journalism, government and policy, banking and finance, tourism and education.
Amandine’s education at CAP, combined with her exploration throughout her degree and her diverse professional experiences, positions her to make meaningful contributions to Australia’s engagement with the Asia-Pacific region in her career.
If you want to join a dynamic community of Asia-Pacific experts, enquire today about the leading undergraduate programs available at CAP: https://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/study