A lot can happen in four weeks. Just ask Macquarie University psychology student Rachel Begg. She had never imagined herself living or working in Fiji. Now she has done both thanks to a one month placement in Lautoka, supported by a New Colombo Plan mobility grant.

"I was placed with a non-government organisation called Empower Pacific," says Rachel.

"The organisation provides counselling and social services throughout Fiji to help individuals and communities realise their po...tential. I was with a team developing a survey to give staff more information about Fiji's rising incidence of youth suicide. The survey had to be easy for the organisation to distribute, implement and analyse, as well as able to be modified to suit different age groups and changing demands.

"The survey also had to work within Fiji's two predominant subcultures-the iTaukei (traditional Fijians) and the Fijians (formerly Indo-Fijians). This was a challenge as these two cultures are quite distinct with separate religions, familial and community units and views on death and suicide. Thankfully we were in a wonderful workplace where co-workers from both cultures were happy to talk through any difficulties."

Since returning to Australia Rachel has enrolled in an elective subject on Strategy and Security in the Indo-Pacific region–something she would never have contemplated before going to Fiji.

"My time in Fiji made me realise how much we overlook our neighbouring countries. Living and working there for four weeks was an eye-opener. I would never have realised what a fantastic, complex multicultural nation it is. Being able to experience it not as a tourist but as a citizen was invaluable. I won't fully see the extent to which my time in Fiji impacted on me for many years, but no matter what I do in my life, I will always have a special regard for Fiji."