Hannah's global experience paves Rhodes to Oxford

Hannah Tonkin is the 97th Rhodes Scholar in the University of Adelaide's 130 years.

The 23-year-old Adelaide law student will arrive at Oxford University in October next year with a strong appreciation and understanding of international affairs - and as she gets to meet many like-minded scholars from numerous parts of the world, her global perspective will continue to grow.

A six-month internship in The Hague earlier this year at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia - where former Yugoslav strongman Slobodan Milosevic is currently on trial - not only provided an absorbing experience involving intellectually challenging work, but also paved the way to uncovering her niche in the legal world.

"My internship was a fantastic experience, combining practical work in a trial team with intellectually challenging issues on a legal digest project," Hannah said.

"And I feel that I have found my niche in International Law and International Relations. This is where I would like to make a difference and I am setting my sights on specialising in this area."

During her internship, she worked in the Office of the Prosecutor and performed many functions, including: assisting in the preparation of examinations in chief and cross examinations; assisting in the proofing of witnesses and the preparation of opening addresses; and undertaking general research on comparative and international criminal law issues.

In this role, she worked with University of Adelaide law graduate Michelle Jarvis, who is in the Appeals Section of the Office of the Prosecutor serving as an Appeals Counsel.

A Blackwood High graduate who obtained perfect scores in Year 12 in 1998, Hannah received a Bachelor of Science in Jurisprudence in 2001 and will graduate at the end of this year with her Honours degree in Law. She has also completed a year of study for a Diploma in Languages, majoring in French.

As the Rhodes Scholar status sinks in, Hannah said Oxford University was the ideal venue to undertake postgraduate study in this area having one of the largest and best centres for graduate work in International Relations in Europe.

"Now that I have the opportunity to attend Oxford, I will be reading for a M. Phil (Masters degree) in International Relations," she said.

"The course appears fascinating, it is challenging and relevant to my career path and this is where I am looking forward to interacting with world-class staff and students."

Hannah said in the final year of her M. Phil, she would like to undertake a cross-disciplinary thesis in International Law - and if possible, to remain at Oxford and read for a D. Phil, using her Masters dissertation as the basis for her doctoral work.

As much as she enjoys the academic challenges, Hannah is also looking forward to the joys of exploring historical Oxford and immersing herself in numerous extracurricular activities within the university.

"I am already attracted to a number of clubs and societies such as the United Nations Association, the Debating Society, the Ski and Snowboard Club and the Netball Club," she said.

Hannah said she believes that Oxford University's history, architecture and traditional collegiate system will provide a rich environment conducive to personal growth and development.

"Thanks to this wonderful opportunity, I hope to equip myself with the knowledge, qualifications and life experiences necessary to continue my pursuit for social justice in the international arena," she said.

Story by Howard Salkow