Student Highlights
Travelling toward a career in Development Studies

After completing a Bachelor of Communication, Katie devoted herself to travel. What was meant to be a six-month trip, turned into five years abroad.

“I had some amazing experiences like working on superyachts, living in Canada and backpacking.

“All of these experiences made me reevaluate my career path and when I arrived home in 2019, I knew I wanted to study again,” Katie said.

When Katie was considering her study options, she met with program convenors from the University of Newcastle and immediately felt value in the support and advice provided.

She also saw merit in the vast number of subject choices and the flexible study options available.

“I had a desire to work in the international development space, certainly inspired by some of my travels, but I had no idea how to get there.

“That’s when I found the Bachelor of Development Studies.

“Because of the broad program design, students are encouraged to find their passions and niche areas, which was certainly the case for me,” she said.

As a travel enthusiast, Katie heard about the New Colombo Plan Scholarship through Global Experience at the University of Newcastle.

“I was googling study abroad exchanges when I came across the scholarship, and I knew immediately that I wanted to apply!

“For my degree, getting experience abroad, whether that’s studying, interning, learning a language or volunteering, is incredibly invaluable.

“It's a once in a lifetime opportunity that allows students to deepen their Asia-Pacific knowledge - building links, strengthening relationships and sharing culture,” she said.

As a signature initiative of the Australian Government, 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.

As a successful recipient, Katie attended the New Colombo Plan (NCP) pre-departure training and National Summit in Canberra in April of 2022, and found it to be an incredible experience.

“After connecting with other scholars via LinkedIn, it was so surreal to meet everyone in person and there was a real buzz of excitement the whole time.

“The National Summit included a series of workshops that discussed opportunities for engagement within the Asia-Pacific region, including how to leverage the NCP program in our careers, climate change, and disaster risk and resilience among many others.

“The talks were incredibly inspiring, and I particularly loved hearing Christine Clarke, Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls, discuss her work in the Pacific region and how the pandemic has disproportionately affected women and girls,” Katie said.

Katie also had the opportunity to visit the Fijian High Commission and meet with the First Secretary as she will be studying in Fiji through the second half of the year.

“It was a busy, fun and inspiring few days and I feel so excited and privileged to start my program in Fiji in August,” she said.

During her program in Fiji, Katie plans to maximise the cultural, academic and linguistic benefits available to her.

“I have chosen subjects based on the governance and development of the Pacific region, hoping that it will provide me with a localised perspective on development issues.

“I also want to start part-time language training learning Fijian, whilst also undertaking a mentorship with United Nations Women in Suva,” she said.

Katie also hopes to organise internships with Pacific Women Lead, Pacific Farmer Organisations and Pacific Community (in New Caledonia) as they each focus on gender equality, food security, food systems sustainability and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

“I want to gain an understanding of how empowered, resilient women with agency can lead communities through uncertain challenges, particularly climate change, where the Pacific certainly feels the impact most,” Katie said.

Katie is very grateful to the University of Newcastle, the Global Experience team and her program coordinator and mentor, Kathy Mee, for putting students forward and supporting them through immersive opportunities like the NCP experience.

Good luck to Katie with her overseas experience and we will catch up with her again to learn more about her travels and upcoming graduation at the end of the year!

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Katie Birrell

As a travel enthusiast, Katie is taking her studies abroad and completing her degree in Fiji thanks to the New Colombo Plan Scholarship.

Living in another country is a totally different experience than travelling there for leisure and I think that’s what I am most excited for – to have that immersive experience where I get to live a day-to-day life in Fiji.