Anna Eggleton grew up in rural Australia, but her passion for the environment is sending her places she never imagined.

Thanks to her New Colombo Plan Scholarship to Japan, the Charles Sturt University student now has the confidence and intercultural skills to join the global conversation about sustainable development.

When Anna touched down in Ritsumeika Asia Pacific University, Anna "had never been exposed to many different cultures or given the opportunity to travel overseas". She also didn't speak Japanese.

"When I first entered Japan, simple phrases such as 'excuse me, I'm sorry, please, thank you' were very difficult. For instance, when I accidently ran into someone I could not think of the word quickly enough to apologise so I spoke in English instead… I hoped they would understand what I meant by listening to the tone in my voice."

Anna was fascinated by the similarities and differences between Australian and Japanese approaches to the natural environment. She enrolled in a broad range of classes and discovered a new interest in environmental economics, a field she had never previously considered as a career option.

As well as her environmental science classes, Anna threw herself into studying Japanese, which she describes as "one of the best decisions I made while studying abroad". The immersive nature of the New Colombo Plan experience meant she got lots of speaking practice with her new Japanese friends.

"I was able to use the communication skills I learnt in the classroom and apply them to my surrounding environment. I found enjoyment in simple things such as wishing the elderly lady who lived outside my university bus stop a good morning or practising speaking with Japanese school children who happened to be learning English."

Anna's perseverance paid off. By the end of semester Japan felt like "a second home".

"I felt so comfortable that it almost felt like I had been living there for years, when in reality it had been months. Learning basic communication skills in Japanese allowed me to really connect with my community. Before undertaking the New Colombo Plan scholarship I never thought that it was possible to become so attached to a place so different from my home."

Anna says she never would have considered going overseas alone if not for her New Colombo Plan scholarship, but now she's experienced living and studying in Japan, she can't wait to get back out into the region.

"Receiving a New Colombo Plan Scholarship has definitely changed my outlook on future career perspectives. I can see myself working on key environmental issues throughout Australia and Japan".

Nominations for the 2017 New Colombo Plan scholarship round will open in July 2016. Students seeking more information on the 2017 scholarship round should talk to their faculty and contact their university's international office.