A global animation experience

By Jayde Redgen

For Bundaberg Digital Media student Christina Kranenfeld, animation has always been more than a creative interest — it is a lifelong passion shaped by curiosity, imagination and perseverance.

Her love of anime began at just seven years old after watching Astro Boy, sparking a fascination with Japanese storytelling and visual art that has stayed with her ever since.

“As I got older, that interest just kept growing,” Christina said. “From about 13 onwards I was extremely heavily interested — I realised this style of animation was my jam, and that’s when my drawing obsession really began.”

That passion continued through her schooling years, even when it was far from mainstream.

“In Year 11, I was one of only three students in my class who drew anime and manga,” she said.

Members of the Bundaberg community may recognise Christina from the 2023 Bundaberg Manga Exhibition at the School of Arts, where she showcased her original manga character. The exhibition marked an important milestone in her creative journey and helped fuel her ambition to explore animation on a global stage.

In January 2026, Christina took the next step — and her first overseas trip — travelling to Japan through a CQUGlobal experience with CISaustralia. To prepare, she completed a short Japanese language course, giving her greater confidence to engage with the culture and navigate everyday life.

As a student with a disability, Christina navigates additional challenges in her studies, making her ability to independently prepare for and travel overseas a powerful testament to her determination and resilience.

The significance of the experience became real even before she arrived. As her plane descended into Japan, Christina caught her first glimpse of Mount Fuji — a moment she describes as deeply emotional.

“I got to see Mt Fuji as I was landing, and as soon as I saw it I started to cry. I thought, oh my god, I’m doing this. It was so surreal — I’d always wanted to go to Japan. It was on my list of things to do.”

Over three weeks in Japan, Christina spent two weeks immersed in a structured CQUGlobal experience with CISaustralia, engaging with the country’s cultural traditions, creative industries and everyday life. Alongside scheduled activities, she also had time during the program to independently explore Japan, giving her the opportunity to navigate the country at her own pace and deepen her confidence as a traveller.

Visits to the Tokyo Polytechnic University Suginami Animation Museum and Anime Tokyo Station in Ikebukuro also proved especially influential. Seeing anime seamlessly embedded in advertising, transport and public spaces reinforced for Christina the strong connection between creativity, culture and technology in Japan.

Minoring in animation and graphic design, Christina’s goal is to build a career as an animator, and she said the experience played a key role in shaping her understanding of the industry. Through visits to animation museums as part of the program, she gained a deeper appreciation of how anime has influenced the world, as well as the cultural values and technological innovation that underpin Japanese animation.

Christina described immersing herself in Japan’s digital media and advertising landscape as “a literal dream of digital media,” noting the experience strengthened both her respect for the craft and her confidence in pursuing animation as a career.

Motivated by her journey, Christina has since become a CISaustralia student ambassador, sharing her experience and encouraging other students — particularly those studying Digital Media and creative disciplines — to consider taking their studies global.

For many regional students, studying overseas can feel out of reach. Christina’s experience highlights what is possible with preparation, determination and the right support.
“I’m really grateful that I was able to do it,” she said.

Now back in Bundaberg, Christina is continuing her Bachelor of Digital Media with renewed confidence, broader cultural insight and a clearer sense of direction for her future in animation. Beyond the travel and cultural experiences, she said the biggest takeaway from a study perspective was developing a stronger understanding of anime itself — particularly its influence on culture and creative industries around the world.

When asked what advice she would give to other students considering a similar experience, Christina’s response was simple and emphatic.
“Do it,” she said. “It’s a great learning experience.”

She encouraged students to see learning abroad as an affordable way to gain hands‑on experience and genuine cultural immersion, while also having opportunities to explore, meet and connect with other students with shared interests. Christina said travelling as part of a supported program made a significant difference to her confidence.

The experience, she explained, has opened the door for her to travel more in the future and removed the fear she once felt about travelling independently.

When asked if the experience was worth it, her answer was immediate.
“I would definitely do it again at the drop of a hat.”

For students inspired by Christina’s journey, more information about learning abroad programs can be found online at CQUGlobal.