Student Highlights
Hands-on learning in Fiji

For Maeve, applying for a two-week study tour to Fiji felt completely out of her comfort zone. Turns out it was the best decision she’s ever made.

A second-year Bachelor of Psychological Science and Bachelor of Criminology student, Maeve has always had an interest in understanding how the human mind works.

“I have always wanted to know why we behave in certain ways and feel certain things,” said Maeve.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to learn more about so I can’t imagine myself studying anything else.”

Wanting to challenge herself and try something new, Maeve applied for a Psychology Tour to Fiji, spanning two weeks in April 2023.

“The tour comprised of field trips to local organisations, hearing from guest speakers at the University of the South Pacific (USP) and living in a remote village with a host family for 3 nights,” she said.

“As well as learning in a classroom setting with our Fijian USP buddies, we also had the opportunity to get more hands on.”

Maeve and her tour cohort spent time collecting discarded waste and planting mangroves on a nearby island, positively contributing to a local community.

They also had the chance to relax and connect, snorkeling at Leleuvia Island, exploring the city of Suva, trying traditional foods and dancing all night at their host village.

“In the village we learnt how to build traditional bamboo rafts, we attended church ceremonies, we played games with the children, and we drank lots of kava!” she said.

Reflecting on the experience, Maeve has many fond memories of the trip.

“I have come home with lifelong friendships and many memories I will cherish forever,” she said.

“It was a privilege to work alongside such brilliant, like-minded people, including Prof. Lynne McCormack and PhD student Natasha Harding.”

At the end of the trip, Maeve and her cohort were asked to present on how to break down the stigma of mental health in the Pacific.

“It was eye-opening to see the similarities and differences between Australian and Fijian culture. Listening to the locals share their personal experiences with us provided me with a greater insight into how culture influences our perspectives of mental health,” she said.

“Hearing the struggles of the Pacific first-hand has heightened my awareness of my own privilege, and how lucky I am to live in Australia, where mental health is accepted and communicated.”

She also benefited from working with organisations such as Youth Champs 4 Mental Health, Empower Pacific, Homes of Hope, and Psychiatric Survivors Association, as they gave a taste of the opportunities available after graduation.

“Participating in the trip allowed me to build my network and connect with people in the industry,” said Maeve.

“Collaborating with a fellow student and creating a project on a real-life issue in the Pacific allowed me to expand my communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.”

“I valued how I could develop my knowledge and skills by applying it to the context of Fiji.”

When she completes her double degree, Maeve intends to complete further study, either in Forensic or Clinical Psychology.

“I’m hoping that through the course of my degree I will gain a clearer understanding of which direction I wish to pursue,” she said.

“Since participating in this study trip, I have a new interest in working with developing countries who have limited psychological interventions in the hope to make a positive impact.”

Maeve Smith

Maeve recently took part in a two-week Psychology Tour of Fiji as part of the New Colombo Plan.