The Office for Youth spoke with New Colombo Plan (NCP) alumni Madura and Emma about their experience living, studying and building connections in the Indo-Pacific. Keep reading to learn how you can do the same!
The New Colombo Plan (NCP) is an Australian Government initiative, delivered by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, that provides funding and opportunities for Australian undergraduate university students to live and study in the Indo-Pacific!
NCP offers life-changing opportunities to build their capacity through study, learning new skills and perspectives, strengthening professional networks, and participating in internships within the Asia region.
We wanted to learn more, so we spoke with NCP alumni Emma and Madura to hear about their experiences and insights. They make up two of 59,000 students within the NCP alumni network — could you be next to join?
What inspired you to apply for the New Colombo Plan?
Madura: “I was personally inspired to go overseas just to get that international exposure and advance myself on the professional side. But even on a personal level, I took the opportunity to develop my own personal skills.”
Emma: “Before signing up to NCP I had never been overseas, and I was really excited about the opportunity to explore beyond Australia.”
What was your biggest takeaway while taking part in the program?
Madura: “The ability to develop deep interpersonal connections, no matter the location!”
Emma: “Learning a language is life changing! If it’s a second language, a third language, there’s so much benefit in being able to connect with people more authentically and genuinely in their native language.”
Why is it important for young Australians to build their Indo-Pacific and Asia capability?
Madura: “It brings about a great opportunity to develop that new perspective. Not only are you seeing the world through the vision of an Australian, but you also get to venture out and see what it’s like overseas in so many different countries that have very different circumstances. But in addition to that, think about it as a young Australian: you are the future leaders of this country. Being able to go on the New Colombo Plan allows you to rub shoulders with the potential future leaders of those respective countries.”
Emma: “We sit here in Australia, and we’re very large country, but we have so much to learn from so many countries that are close by too. On a higher level, there are so many opportunities and areas for growth for young people who do increase their Asia capability. But on a more personal level, the connections and friendships that I made are some that I hold so dear to me, and it’s so important now more than ever, where diversity and multiculturalism is imperative in society, that us young people are getting out there and meeting people, learning languages and engaging with the world around us!”
Interview ends
Our biggest thanks to Madura and Emma for chatting with us and sharing your insights!
You can check out their interviews on our social media channels.
If you’ve been inspired to apply, check out if you’re eligible on the NCP’s website! We also encourage you to begin speaking with your university about pathways available.