LEARNING JOURNEY
A trip overseas can be an educational experience at any time but when it is part of a scholarship plan the benefits can be long lasting for the student and host country
A RECORD nine Griffith University scholars will be jetting off to the Indo-Pacific thanks to the prestigious New Colombo Plan Scholarship.
Anna Stirling, Gabi Cooper, Katharina Gutjar-Holland, Harry Rodgers, Jessica Farrell, Julia Hill, Odin Lowsley, Rachael Grant and Tanner Noakes will
undertake semester-based study and internships one of 40 participating countries in 2020 and 2021. (See story opposite page.)
The annual Australian Government initiative provides 125 high-achieving students with funds to immerse in IndoPacific culture, learn languages, further their studies, and gain work experience.
Vice-president (Global) Professor Sarah Todd said the
fact nine Griffith students were awarded the scholarship, out of a maximum of 10 per institution, reflected the high calibre of students nominated.
“These scholarships will truly transform the recipients’ lives and may well determine the focus of their future careers,” Professor Todd said.
Bachelor of Business student Harry Rodgers said he was excited to join the UMOYA Sport Indian National
Paralympic Committee in India and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
“The purpose of my program is to gain an understanding of inclusion and stigma regarding disabilities in the Indo-Pacific and how Australia can learn to better support those with disabilities,” he said.
“As someone with a physical disability affecting my arms and feet, I understand the challenges navigating a world that often has a negative outlook in disability.
“My NCP program will explore the role of sport in empowering those with disabilities in society.”
Harry and fellow scholars will not be leaving campus without a few words of advice from their peers who have travelled the path before them.
In 2018 former Marymount students and NCP scholars Nicholas McLean, Samantha Wilson and Oliver Thompson travelled to China, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Business student Samantha Wilson, 24, interned with Tourism Australia in Singapore, and travelled to Hong Kong to intern at Australian Chamber of Commerce and study at Polytechnic University.
Samantha said she went to Hong Kong because it was a major tourism hub with highranking universities. However, she never expected to fall in love with the city the way she did.
Samantha said she joined a dragon boat team for nine months and competed in locations across Hong Kong.
“It was a great way to explore the region whilst staying fit, making friends, and experiencing the culture.”
Bachelor of Law student Nicholas McLean, 25, spent 15 months overseas and completed internships in energy, mining, professional services and legal sectors across China, Papua New Guinea and Thailand.
Nicholas said as a New Colombo Plan Scholar he was granted a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I decided I wanted to maximise my experience by gaining industry knowledge in various sectors of interest, build genuine, lasting relationships and enhance my own general cross-cultural understanding,” he said.
“I believe young professionals in the 21st century need to develop a multi-sector skillset in order to remain relevant to future employers.”
Nicholas said recently awarded scholars should have a clear idea of where they want to go, and why and how doing so will benefit Australia in the future.
“Based on my experience scholars should aim to develop experience in a variety of industries, so they better present themselves as an informed, holistic candidate when it comes time to apply for graduate employment.”
New Colombo Plan Alumni Ambassador Oliver Thompson said he would love to get fellow students involved in the program.
“I would like to congratulate the scholars on their hard work and I look forward to seeing what they get up to,” Mr Thompson said.