Bundaberg Digital Media students take their studies global
Three CQUniversity Bundaberg students have expanded their learning beyond the classroom by completing international Learning Abroad programs through CQUGlobal.
Bachelor of Digital Media student Cameron Robinson travelled to Mongolia, while Amelia Bos and Christina Kranenfeld completed their Learning Abroad experiences in Japan.
Their participation highlights how students studying at a regional campus can access international learning opportunities, gain professional experience and develop a broader understanding of their future industries.
CQUniversity Digital Media Campus Lead, Bundaberg, and lecturer Regina John Luan said the programs provided regional students with valuable opportunities to build confidence and apply their learning in unfamiliar cultural and professional settings.
“Students living and studying regionally may not always consider international study or professional experience to be within their reach,” Ms Luan said.
“These programs demonstrate that Bundaberg students can participate in meaningful global experiences while developing the confidence, independence and professional capabilities needed after graduation.”
During his time in Mongolia, Cameron gained experience working in a different cultural and professional environment.
Cameron said that most significant thing he brought back from the experience was that “with the right resources and amount of time; I have the ability and skills to produce professional work in Digital Media.”
Cameron said he was surprised that not knowing the local language was not a barrier to the experience.
“Knowing half-a-dozen or so words or phrases of their language was enough to get by, plus we were able to use Google translate and our own made-up sign language,” he said.
Christina said the highlight of her trip was being able to get to see Japan for the first time.
“I totally recommend doing a Learning Abroad trip, it's one of the best ways to get out and see the world all while having a safety net,” Christina explained.
“So I say, just go for it - the whole experience was one to remember and I'm really grateful to the CQUGlobal team and the CIS Australia team for helping me, and making it happen.”
Amelia said the highlight of her trip was going to retro game centres in Japan.
“Honestly just being able to walk to so many different places in one day was so nice compared to my everyday life at home in regional Australia where you always have to drive,” she said.
She said the most significant thing she learnt back from the experience was going to the animation museum.
“Getting to use a lightbox to hand animate a short on paper was amazing and the skills I built while doing the assignments was also second to none.”
Amelia provided the following advice for anyone looking to travel abroad as part of their university experience.
“Never worry about travelling alone, I did and it was so incredibly freeing and fun to meet new people and make new friends over there.”
Ms Luan said the Learning Abroad programs were part of an ongoing Bachelor of Digital Media initiative that allowed students to engage with real environments and respond to genuine challenges.
“These experiences develop more than technical knowledge,” she said.
“They support students’ personal growth, resilience, adaptability and confidence by requiring them to navigate unfamiliar situations and take greater responsibility for their learning.”
She said the benefits could also flow back into regional communities.
“When students return to Bundaberg with broader perspectives, stronger professional skills and new ideas, they can contribute those capabilities to regional workplaces, industries and communities,” Ms Luan said.
Cameron encouraged fellow colleagues to give Learning Abroad a go.
“It’s a once in a lifetime challenge and opportunity, and you will be proud of yourself for how you showed up every day of the program.”
The experiences of Cameron, Amelia and Christina demonstrate how regional education can provide a pathway to global engagement while preparing students for professional opportunities in Australia and internationally.
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