From Haileybury to The Hague and beyond
Hear from more of our recent graduates on their international university pathways and adventures
After two-and-a-half years, Harvey Garnaut (OH 2022) has well and truly settled into life in England and particularly the rich traditions that are part of life at Oxford University.
Harvey is reading Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford.
“I’ve always been interested in why some countries but not others are prosperous and how a country like Australia can continue to provide ordinary citizens with a rich and satisfying life like it has done in the past,”Harvey Garnaut (OH 2022)
“After a fixed course in the first year, we can then choose what subjects we would like to do in years two and three and I’m mainly doing economics with some ethics, political philosophy and international relations.”
In between his studies, Harvey has been exploring the rest of the British Isles and plans to spend time in Europe, too. He says if he had not attended Haileybury, he wonders if his life would have taken a different route.
“While I was at Haileybury I had the immense privilege of being taught by several very interesting, smart and inspiring teachers who taught me much more than I realised at the time. If I hadn’t gone to Haileybury, I probably wouldn’t even have thought of applying to somewhere like Oxford University. I am tremendously grateful.”
In the meantime, Harvey is making the most of the traditions that are part and parcel of studying at Oxford University.
“We have formal dinners on special occasions and, a few months after arriving in September 2022, I attended the Christmas formal and that was pretty magical,” he says.
“Everyone dresses up, the hall is decorated with a Christmas tree and candles, and the bells ring in all the nearby churches and towers. That was definitely a big ‘wow, I can’t believe I’m actually in Oxford’ moment.”
When Maya Muller (OH 2021) joined Haileybury’s Keysborough campus in Year 6, she never imagined that she would eventually settle in the Netherlands to study a BA in International Studies at Leiden University.
Maya moved to The Hague in August 2023 and is specialising in Middle East studies while also learning Egyptian and Modern Standard Arabic.
“I am interested in a career that takes place in the international arena, either diplomacy or journalism. The International Studies program appealed as it offered multidisciplinary courses that covered a range of my interests. We learn international and regional politics and take courses in culture, language and philosophy. I am confident that the skills I’m acquiring here will open many doors in the future,”Maya Muller (OH 2021)
There have been many highlights while studying in the historic city of Leiden and being in the heart of Europe.
“We’ve had talks from President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, and as students we frequently visit embassies and the International Court of Justice,” says Maya.
“There are lots of associations and social events and a nice outdoor environment — when it’s not winter. I cycle everywhere and it is lovely to enjoy summer days at the beach and to travel to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Leiden and Delft for a quick coffee. This is truly a great place to be a student.”
After she graduates, Maya hopes to pursue a Master’s degree and perhaps a PhD, and she also aspires to spend more time in the Middle East to hone her Arabic skills. Wherever she ends up in the world, Maya has fond memories of the journey that began at Haileybury.
“A standout will always be any House event that involved competitive chanting. It was always fun to have the girls together cheering each other on. House spirit at Haileybury really is a force to be reckoned with.”
As Harvey and Maya continue to find their way in the world post-Haileybury, we wish them all the best and look forward to witnessing them make a difference in their chosen fields.
