Crawford School of Public Policy

Crawford School Chilean student Maria Carrasco Rey has just completed her masters in the policy and governance program and says that studying at Crawford has given her once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

“There are often really important people speaking at Crawford School, like the former head of Treasury, Ken Henry or the Director of the OECD Development Centre, Mr Mario Pezzini.

“These are people that I’ve read about in books and when you have a chance like this you think, I can’t believe I’m here and that I’m listening to these experts.

“One of the social policy classes I attended was about poverty and the speaker was one of the most important people related to the topic, I couldn’t believe we were having a class with him.

“A few weeks ago Argentine singer, Kevin Johansen, who is quite famous in Chile and Latin America was in Canberra and I attended a Q&A session with him which wouldn’t be possible in other places. Incredible things happen here,” Rey said.

Rey said that Crawford School is an ideal place to study and the campus is very multicultural.

“I chose the best program related to public policy and the best program was here at Crawford School. I couldn’t learn the things that I’ve learnt here back in my home country because social policy is much more developed in other countries, especially Australia.

“Crawford is located in the government city so it’s easier to engage in the public policy process because you’re surrounded by politics and public servants.

“It’s a very good place to meet people from all over the world. You learn about different cultures and hear different perspectives which increases your cultural awareness.”

Rey added that studying at Crawford has changed her life.
“I think that this experience will change my future because Crawford School is part of the best university in Australia.

“The quality of lecturers, people teaching, research, events and the people you can meet outside of university are all amazing and I would encourage people to study at Crawford.”

Story by Amelia Bidgood.