After spending several years living and travelling throughout Europe, Canada, Asia and the Americas, Jake began his university study journey at the University of Newcastle.

“It took me a long time to figure out exactly what I wanted to do, but I always felt as though I wanted a career where I could contribute to making the world a better place,” said Jake

“My travels made me realise how much of a privileged position I am in. Ninety-nine per cent of the people I met overseas treated with me the utmost kindness and I have always felt that I wanted to give back in one way or another.

“I thought Development Studies would be the best way to pursue a career with a global focus,” he said.

As Development Studies is such a diverse degree, it has taken Jake some time to figure out  what to focus on.

“Regardless of what I choose to do, I think the one skill that I have been able to develop is systems thinking.

“It became obvious soon after studying that all of the globe’s issue don’t exist in a vacuum. All solutions to wicked problems require bright minds from a range of different disciplines.

“I feel that I can contribute well to waste prevention on an international level by understanding the interconnection between all the different contributors to the issue. I don’t think looking at issues this holistically comes with all degrees,” he said.

Currently completing his Honours in Development Studies, Jake in undertaking a study titled ‘Understanding the drivers and challenges of MARPOL compliance in the Pacific Islands region’.

MARPOL is an international maritime law which prohibits the discharging of waste and pollution into the ocean.

“Unfortunately, in the Pacific, this law is violated both accidentally and intentionally, leading to high amounts of ocean pollution. This significantly impacts coastal communities dependent upon a healthy ocean and also non-human marine life,” Jake said.

In his first year of study, Jake came across the New Columbo Plan from an email sent out from the university.

The New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship Program supports Australia's best undergraduate students to undertake a semester long international study experience, an internship/mentorship and language training for up to 19 months in the Indo-Pacific region.

“In all honesty, the New Colombo Plan is possibly one of the most incredible opportunities you could ever envision of as a Uni student, especially when being so passionate about traveling and my chosen field of study.

“I feel that it has given me a platform to make a positive contribution to the issues most important to me. The ability to combine travel with your field of interest and create an overseas experience is pretty awesome,” Jake said.

As part of the New Colombo Plan Program, Jake was able to undertake NCP Pre-Departure Training at the National Summit in Canberra in April of 2022.

“Going down to Canberra for the NCP training and summit was a really exciting experience. Meeting everyone in person made it all feel real for the first time, as everything up until then had been conducted remotely.

“It was an absolute privilege to connect with other scholars and alumni who are all equally passionate about their respective fields of study. I loved talking to other young people about what they hoped to achieve in this program and connected with a lot of other scholars with similar interests to me,” Jake said.

Over the course of three days, Jake heard inspiring discussions from leaders in government, non-government and private sectors who had region specific knowledge and stories to share.

“This was valuable information that taught me many skills in cultural awareness and building meaningful relationships.

“On the last day I was fortunate enough to share a conversation with the Deputy High Commissioner from Samoa inside the Samoan embassy discussing the most pressing issues for the nation and the Pacific as a whole.

“This whole experience was an exciting chapter in my studies, and now I cannot wait to get overseas and begin my program,” Jake said.

As part of his Honours research, Jake is heading to Samoa with SPREP, looking at marine waste management in the Pacific.

“This issue has been identified by SPREP as a major focus area in the region. I am so excited to be able to contribute to a healthier ocean as there is no place that I love more.

“With this in mind I am keen to get over to Samoa to enjoy an ocean-based lifestyle (when I am not looking at a computer screen).

“I really hope that this equips me with skills to work in waste prevention in an international context going forward,” Jake said.

Good luck to Jake with his overseas experience and we will catch up with him again to learn more about his travels and research findings at the end of the year!

Learn more about the Bachelor of Development Studies

Jake Stevens

Jake Stevens

Currently completing his Honours in Development Studies, Jake is travelling to Samoa to research marine waste management as part of the New Colombo Plan Program.

The New Colombo Plan is possibly one of the most incredible opportunities you could ever envision of as a uni student, especially when being so passionate about traveling and my chosen field of study.