Tsjatsja Westerveld

Bachelor of International Relations

Gold Coast, QLD

What is your ultimate ambition in life?
I’d like to work in international law – possibly for the UN. From there, the sky’s the limit!

How are Bond’s world-class professors helping you get there?
The lecturers here come from all over the world, so we can tap into their global experience and contacts. Because the classes are so small, the students really benefit from that – the lecturers know who you are and what areas you’re interested in so they’re happy to use their contacts to help you get work placements. I’m studying International Relations and Law; the Law Faculty has already helped me line up two internships with Brisbane law firms which have been fantastic.

Through the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, I also have access to international internships – there are opportunities with Austrade in Paris, Toronto and Singapore and in the US with the Washington Internship Program.

How is the international network of contacts you’re gaining at Bond helping bring your ambition to life?
Having international students in your classes expands your own network of contacts. I’ve already had the opportunity of travelling overseas to represent Bond in the Vis East Mooting Competition at the City University of Hong Kong and I’ve been accepted for the International Exchange Program to study for a semester at Leiden University in the Netherlands. But you can really get the best out of Bond if you make the effort and get involved with all the extra-curricular activities. I’m involved with the Humanities Students’ Association and the Vice-Chancellor’s Debating Society and the Student Philanthropy group. I’ve met lots of people from all different faculties through these groups and, as well as building my future career network, they really make you feel part of Bond.