I currently ascribe to the Shafi'i madhab but have not looked into it too much. I know the scholars advice the madhab of your land but it is mainly non-muslims here. Would it be acceptable for me to adhere to the Handball madhab instead as our studies revolve around Hanbali teachings and books?

Yes, no one is obliged to bind himself to a madhhab, so studying Hanbali fiqh because that is what you are learning from is fine and it is a way of learning. What is obligatory is to follow the evidence where it is clear to you, and what is not allowed is moving between madhhabs to take whichever ruling suits you.