Students taking on global health challenges
With international travel back on the agenda, the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing is pleased to be supporting students on their immersion trips throughout the Asia-Pacific.
Over the past 12 months the college has worked to reintroduce global study opportunities to enrich students' study experiences. In 2022, 58 students participated in 7 New Colombo Plan supported trips, and in 2023 there will be over 190 students traveling on 19 separate trips across 6 countries.
Destinations include Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Fiji and the Philippines, where students will have the opportunity to build their cultural competencies, healthcare skills and engage with global communities. To date, students have enjoyed unique experiences abroad, including community nutrition projects, physiotherapy health promotion development programs, nursing fieldwork in remote communities and much more.
Our study tour to Cambodia exposed us to how midwifery is taught at their universities and different clinical practice, we built relationships with local midwives and discovered the tragically high foetal and maternal mortality rates. We got to experience the country’s beautiful landmarks and learn their rich history. It was a well-rounded trip that provided growth for all involved”. Midwifery student and New Colombo Plan trip participant.
In June, the college held an inaugural New Colombo Plan (NCP) alumni event to celebrate the achievements of NCP alumni from 2022, welcome students who will be undertaking a global study experience in 2023, and to thank staff involved in facilitating the trips. Attendees were treated to performances by local musicians and Japanese calligraphy artist demonstrations.
The New Colombo Plan mobility grants are an initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The initiative is provided to Australian universities to support Australian undergraduate students’ participation in study, internships, mentorships, practicums and research in over 40 host locations across the Indo-Pacific region. Academic staff in the college have been successful in attaining over $1 million in funding over the past 5 years to support international immersions for students.
The trips would not be possible without the leadership of experienced academic staff, who apply for funding through a rigorous application process, organise customised programs and lead unforgettable global experiences for our students.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.