Four Southern Cross students receive New Colombo Plan scholarships

This prestigious grant, an initiative of the Australian Government to foster exchange and connection between Australia and the Indo-Pacific, will allow the students to study and undertake internships for up to 19 months.

Bachelor of Education student Feenix Wilson said they are excited and grateful to receive a New Colombo Plan scholarship to live and study in Mongolia.

“I’m looking forward to volunteering teaching English and to see how their education system works and how we can share our pedagogies,” Feenix said.

“This is a huge opportunity and I am very excited to study abroad in Mongolia.”

Bachelor of Science (Marine Systems) student Rosie Stoneley said she was very excited to receive the call she would be going to Fiji and other Pacific islands to expand her experience and impact in coral reef research.

“During the application process my hopes were high, though I knew it was prestigious and competitive, so I thought whatever happens is meant to be. Then when I got the scholarship, I couldn’t believe I’d be moving to Fiji, it’s very exciting,” said Rosie.

“I’m really excited to continue researching coral reef science. I’m hoping to do an internship with a research station or with someone working on coral restoration projects.”

Rosie has already gained valuable hands-on experience in marine research, including genetic adaptation studies and coral restoration projects in Australia, Indonesia and Okinawa, Japan, using genetic markers for coral resilience and advanced techniques like CRISPR to strengthen coral populations.

She is passionate about community engagement and looks forward to further expanding her knowledge while collaborating with local communities in Fiji.

“I am eager to engage with the vibrant local cultures, communicate in new languages, immerse myself in island communities, and gain insights into how they conduct coral reef research.

“It’s incredible to get these kinds of opportunities and to travel to these places as an undergraduate student.”

Bachelor of Social Work student Angelique Gil will be using the scholarship to study at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji.

“I feel overwhelmed with joy and gratitude and also really proud of myself for trying. This privilege of studying abroad allows me to learn from and connect with other cultures to grow to be the best social worker I can be,” she said.

“On a personal level, it is an opportunity to reconnect to my cultural roots in Fiji, creating long-lasting memories and relationships to inform and enrich my personal and professional future.”

Southern Cross University Director, Global Engagement Christine Martin said the experience of living and studying abroad could be life-changing for students.

“Even after the scholarship, it’s something the students carry with them throughout their lives, professionally and personally,” she said.

Learn more about having a Global Experience while you study at Southern Cross University.