Jessica Hadjis – MA in Interdisciplinary Studies
Imagine a university master’s program tailored to your career, lifestyle and academic and personal interests. Jessica Hadjis found just that at Royal Roads University after searching around the world for the perfect program.
“It feels as though my master’s program has been entirely custom made for me,” says Hadjis, who is expected to graduate from the MA in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) program in 2012. “It has been a perfect fit as it has allowed me the flexibility to travel both professionally and personally.”
Hadjis works in the field of international human rights and has done some of her coursework from Mauritius, where she is an intern in the Socio-Economic Development Unit of the United Nations Development Programme. Her work with the UN includes tackling gender equality issues and access to justice in Mauritius.
“I am thrilled with the work that I am doing and am thankful to have learned relevant and necessary skills through my MAIS program, which I use on a daily basis, and to have the flexibility and support from a program such as MAIS which hasn’t limited me to study, work and live in one city – or country for that matter!”
Since starting her master’s in September 2010, Hadjis, who is from Montreal, has lived and worked in France and has travelled to Oman, Spain and Italy. Thanks to the flexibility of her program, Hadjis has been able to work via correspondence for a human rights NGO based in South Africa, volunteer for Amnesty International and teach English and French at a business school for adults. She was also selected as one of 20 students to participate in the 2011 Human Rights Defenders Course from the European Inter University Centre for Human Rights and Democratisation in Venice.
“It has been just over a year since I started my master’s and it has already opened so many doors for me both professionally and personally,” Hadjis says. “On a personal level, it has been extremely enriching to exchange ideas and learn from professors and fellow students. On a daily basis, I have looked forward to logging on to myRRU to read and engage in the discussion of the day. Lastly, my master’s has provided me with skills, knowledge and confidence which have had a positive outcome in many aspects of my life.”
Through the interdisciplinary studies program, Hadjis has been able to take courses in human security and peacebuiding, environmental management, international and intercultural communications and conflict analysis and management.
While Hadjis has opted to do all of her coursework online, she says she feels a strong bond with her professors and fellow students. “I can attest that there is no lack of personal, professional and academic interaction from the program,” she says. “If you are looking for a program with excellent academic quality within a flexible and open environment then the MAIS program at RRU is the program for you!”
