The Solomon Islands placement that became a partnership

Published: 1 July 2026

A month in the Solomon Islands offered Southern Cross University Exercise Science and Clinical Exercise Physiology students so much more than practical experience. It immersed them in a new culture, challenged their confidence, and sparked connections that continue to shape both careers and communities.

On the final day of a four-week placement in the Solomon Islands, Southern Cross University student Jacob Davidson unexpectedly found himself sitting in a small office at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS), learning a song.

His local coach, Carlton, strummed a guitar beside him. The lyrics were in Pidgin, but the meaning was simple: connection that endures, no matter the distance.

They sang together for hours.

“It was just… a very powerful moment,” Jacob said. “He wanted me to take it home to my friends and family.”

For Jacob, and for the group of Southern Cross University students and staff who travelled to SINIS earlier this year, this was never just a study experience.

It became something far more human.

Stepping into the unknown

The opportunity came through the New Colombo Plan, supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) – an invitation to spend four weeks immersed in a different country, culture and professional environment.

For many students, including Jacob, it meant stepping well outside their comfort zone.

“It was my first time overseas,” he said. “I remember thinking on the way to the airport… this is going to be a big month!”

Jeremy Salter, a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science student, didn’t hesitate to apply.

“To live overseas, see a remote location like the Solomon Islands and interact with a culture I hadn’t been part of before – it was a no-brainer,” he said.

What they found was an experience that demanded openness from the very beginning.

There was no rigid itinerary or predictable routine.

“You might not know exactly what you’re doing the next day,” Jeremy said. “I just went in with an open mind and saw what happened.”

Student coaches athlete on technique in gymnasium — Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science student, Jeremy Salter works alongside coaches at the Solomon Islands Institute of Sport.

Learning by doing

Based at SINIS in Honiara, students worked directly alongside coaches and athletes across a range of sports.

They ran warm-ups and training sessions, supported strength and conditioning programs, and delivered presentations to coaches and staff.

For many, it was their first time applying their studies in a real-world setting, let alone an international one.

“Getting thrown in the deep end… I think that accelerated my capacity,” Jeremy said. “Coming back now, things just come a lot more naturally.”

They weren’t just observing, they were contributing.

Students worked with national teams, including athletes new to structured strength and conditioning, and saw rapid improvements over just a few weeks.

“It was really rewarding,” Jacob said. “You could actually see how we helped improve their experience.”

When plans change, growth begins

Midway through the placement, all plans suddenly went out the window.

Administrative issues meant many local athletes could no longer access the Institute’s facilities.

Instead of structured sessions with athletes, students became learners, collaborators and even stand-in athletes themselves.

“They had to pivot,” said Dr Jena Buchan, Academic and Work Integrated Learning Coordinator for Exercise and Sport Science, who led the group along with colleague, Dr Jodie Cochrane. “Sometimes your clients don’t show… that’s the reality of the profession.”

Students worked alongside local coaches to design training programs, build testing frameworks and deliver sessions to each other.

What could have been a disruption became one of the most valuable parts of the experience.

“They really had to take the lead and responsibility in those settings,” Jena said.

More than professional growth

Beyond the work, what stayed with students most was the people.

“Their sense of community is unmatched,” Jacob said.

At SINIS, relationships came first – between coaches, athletes, staff and students.

“It’s very community-based,” he said. “You feel like you can go to anyone, ask anything.”

That openness left a lasting impression.

Student shakes the hand of a male coach at SINIS

For Jeremy, the experience brought a shift in perspective.

“It reinforced how lucky we are… but also how important it is to see how others live and connect,” he said.

There were magical moments the students struggled to capture in words, such as a farewell ceremony where coaches gathered to sing and pray for the students’ journey home.

Gifts were exchanged and tears shed.

In just four weeks, they had become part of something much bigger than themselves.

A two-way exchange

For Jena Buchan, the value of the experience was never one-sided.

“It’s really that collaborative, two-way value,” she said.

Students contributed knowledge, energy and fresh perspectives.

In return, they gained adaptability, cultural understanding and the kind of communication skills that can’t be taught in a classroom.

“They learned how important it is to build connections and communicate,” she said.

The impact of the visit was proudly shared on social media by the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport, where reflections from the final days captured the same sense of mutual respect and partnership.

Speaking at the farewell, SINIS Performance Manager Zanetana Djokovic acknowledged the experience as something both sides would carry forward.

“I understand there were challenges during your stay, but we adapted and overcame them together,” he said. “That reflects what SINIS is about… adapting and overcoming the many challenges we face here in Solomon Islands.”

He described the visit as a shared learning experience.

“Your presence has been very helpful to us. Our doors are always open should you wish to return.”

The impact extended beyond the Institute.

During the final weeks, students delivered presentations on exercise and health at a local hospital, sharing knowledge with medical staff.

“One of the doctors asked, ‘How do we get exercise physiologists here?’” Jena said.

A woman holds a cake-cutting knife in front of a cake and a group of students — Southern Cross University Academic and Work Integrated Learning Coordinator for Exercise and Sport Science, Dr Jena Buchan (centre) cuts the cake at the SINIS farewell to students.

What comes next

That question has opened the door to something larger.

Since returning, conversations have led to the early stages of a research collaboration focused on improving cancer care in the Solomon Islands, bringing together expertise in exercise oncology and supportive health services.

It’s one example of how a student placement can evolve into a long-term partnership.

Plans are already underway to return next year, with potential to expand opportunities across disciplines.

Some students are even considering going back themselves, this time as volunteers or mentors.

Taking the first step

For those who are unsure about stepping into something unfamiliar, the message from students and staff is simple.

“Just go for it,” Jacob said. “Be open to new things. You’ll grow as a person.”

Jeremy agrees.

“If you have any hesitation… just dive in,” he said. “You won’t regret it.”

And as Jena puts it:

“You’d rather have gotten on that flight and given it a crack… than wonder what it could have been.”

In the end, this unforgettable experience forged confidence and connection, a deeper understanding of what it means to adapt… and to belong somewhere unexpected.