The New Colombo Plan program has opened many doors to past scholars and each agrees that the experience was invaluable in bringing about new opportunities to shape their individual futures and for some, in unexpected ways.
“It’s been absolutely invaluable,” says Oliver, who studied in Fiji. “It’s about as relevant as you can get in terms of experience. I’m very interested in academia and pursuing research in the Pacific region now. I found the biggest thing is understanding who you will work with and understand the way in which those relationships are formed and operate in Fiji –that’s critical. It was first-hand experience in-country and I feel very lucky to have had the experience. It confirmed my interest in the field when I got there. While I wasn’t sure what to expect, it turned out much better than I expected. It definitely gave me a sense that it would not be the last time I would be in Fiji. I’m keen to head back as soon as possible, use my skills. It’s a privilege to work so collaboratively.”
Maxi, who spent time in both Fiji and Vanuatu, agrees. After her internship with UNICEF, she went to Pentecost in Vanuatu and lived there for five weeks teaching at a primary school there. “I’ve been offered potential work with an international school in Port Vila when I graduate,” she said.
“My New Colombo Plan experience in Indonesia was eye-opening in terms of wedging myself into my industry,” says Mia. “It was amazing personally, but others also recognise it as an amazing scholarship that is difficult to get. Having a New Colombo Plan Scholarship as part of your work and study profile is pretty amazing.” She says the networking opportunities were a highlight. “Once in country you get invited to all the DFAT events. I spoke at an Embassy event in Jakarta and from that gained new networks whom I’ve remained in touch with. And once you return to Australia, you can still get invited to DFAT events, so there were a few here that I attended, extending my network.”
“Having the NCP scholarship has been significant, especially in getting you noticed when you reach out to people, for future professional networks or employment opportunities and on your resume.” It’s also benefited Mia academically. “I was in Indonesia when I was looking to do honours. I reached out to a bunch of people I didn’t’ know specifically, but having the NCP attached to my profile definitely helped. It flagged something. Since then, I did honours at the University of Melbourne researching the Indigenous people of Borneo, Indonesia, palm oil and conservation NGOs and how to interact. That can lead into a potential PhD in a similar location in Indonesia. The NCP has definitely opened doors and increased my interests and passion in Indonesia and the regions.
Katarina joined the New Colombo Plan alumni community on her return from French Polynesia and has attended events to share her experience, exchange ideas with others how to make the most of the NCP experience, along with other helpful professional development opportunities. “Being in the Alumni community is an amazing. I don’t finish my degree for another year or two and I still haven’t decided what my graduate pathway will be. So, I’m keen to engage with the alumni community and advance graduate opportunities. I’m taking the lessons from my NCP experience and jump at every opportunity that I can.” And, she says, it may well lead to more work. “I want to engage in the region. The NCP is not the end for me. It’s brought a completely new passion. I’m really excited and inspired about what’s happening in the region and want to go back and work there.”
For some NCP scholars, the experience can also be about finding an interest in advancing Australia’s own interests abroad. “The NCP was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore various interests in foreign affairs, law, government relations and to experience working in private corporations,” according to Nicholas who studied in China and interned in Thailand, Papua New Guinea and China.
“I have a deep interest in foreign affairs and would like to in some way contribute to pursuing Australia’s national interests. I always felt that’s where I would end up but not sure in what capacity, working for an international company or ideally working for an Australian company abroad.”
“We are very privileged in the Australian diaspora – in terms of our way of life here versus overseas. The contrast is stark and became more obvious with every country I spent time in. In that in Australia, we have something special and I want to play my part in defining it and ensuring it can grow. I’d love to end up somewhere to further Australia’s national interests. “
