Making his time count
JCU Bachelor of Laws student Tyson Cramer, 20, is a world away from home, but he’s making his time at JCU count. The second-year student left his hometown of Grande Prairie, a small city in North Alberta, Canada, in 2023 to study at James Cook University’s Townsville campus, and hasn’t looked back.
“I’m really enjoying it,” Tyson says. “It’s a big change from what I’m used to, and there was some adjusting at first, but I was able to settle down here quickly. It’s been such a great experience.”
Townsville is a far cry from the -19°C winters of Grande Prairie, and Tyson’s embraced the change of scenery and lifestyle. He’s also finding both academic direction and personal growth while living on campus.
An unexpected opportunity
Tyson always knew he wanted to study law, but doing so in Canada wasn’t as straightforward as he hoped.
“In Canada, you need to finish an undergraduate degree before you can study law,” Tyson says. “I was talking to a friend, and they had a friend - of a friend - who was studying law in Australia, and I wanted to find out more.”
That casual conversation piqued Tyson’s interest, and soon he connected with an international study agency and completed the application process for international study.
Before too long, Tyson’s efforts were rewarded when he was accepted into JCU, putting him on the path towards his dream career.
“It shocked my parents at first. They thought I was joking,” Tyson laughs. “But they’ve been very supportive, and they’re proud that I’ve made this step.”
Even with a big international move on the horizon, Tyson was determined to make it work. “There was the visa, accommodation, application process and all that, but once I got to Townsville and JCU, it was a very smooth transition,” he says.
A degree built for the future
JCU’s Bachelor of Laws is a three-year, full-time program offered in Cairns, Townsville, and online. The course provides students with a strong foundation in legal principles, critical thinking, and the professional skills needed for a range of careers in law.
A growing number of alumnus from Australian universities are practicing law in Canada, and for Tyson, JCU’s Bachelor of Laws degree is the perfect fit.
“I’ve been interested in the law since I was a little kid. I always had a rebuttal for my parents and I had an answer for everything,” he says. “I want to work in corporate law. I plan on returning home to work there.”
Growing up in a region known for its abundance of natural resources. Tyson already has a focus for his future. “I grew up in an environment surrounded by the oil and gas industries, so that’s the area I would like to work in,” he says.
Life outside the classroom
Tyson says the community at JCU is making his international study experience rewarding and memorable.
“JCU has been great. They offer all types of support services, and the community is fantastic,” he says. “There are a lot of other international students, and it’s great to talk to people who are experiencing a similar journey.”
When he’s not hitting the law books, Tyson makes time to relax and unwind with friends. He has benefited from networking with JCU’s international community, and also with classmates. “I have friends doing other degrees and we just hang out, play video games, and just relax,” Tyson says. “I like to go to the gym as well when I’m not studying.”
NO REGRETS
Studying his law degree abroad at JCU was never part of Tyson’s original plan — but it’s a decision Tyson would make again in a heartbeat.
“I would say do it,” he says. “It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m so glad I took the step, and I know one day it’s going to be a great story to tell.”