Students to learn and share knowledge in the Indo-Pacific

Seventy Charles Darwin University (CDU) students will have the opportunity to study and intern in the Indo-Pacific through funding from the New Colombo Plan (NCP) Mobility Program.

CDU was awarded $231,000 in funding under the 2023 Round of the NCP Mobility Program, which allows undergraduate students aged 18 to 28 to participate in studies, internships, mentorships, practical courses, and research in host locations across the Indo-Pacific.

The program is a component of the NCP, which is an Australian Government initiative aiming to increase the knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia.

CDU students will travel to Cambodia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam and study fields including health, education, agriculture and commerce.

Law, accounting and business students will be the first to begin their overseas studies, travelling to Indonesia and the Philippines from January 30 to February 12.

CDU has also received an extension on a further 24 Mobility projects awarded between 2018 and 2021 that were delayed due to limits on international travel. These projects will be delivered throughout 2023 and 2024. 

CDU Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman thanked the NCP for the funding and welcomed the opportunity for students to take part in the life-changing program.

“The University has an extensive history with the Mobility Program and we are thrilled to again participate in this exchange of learning and knowledge,” Professor Bowman said.

“Charles Darwin University prides itself on its relationships across Australia and internationally. The Mobility Program will help students develop critical skills and understanding of our overseas neighbours.”

In December last year two CDU students were each awarded NCP Scholarships to study and share knowledge overseas in 2023.

Bachelor of Laws (Honours) student David Ninan will travel to Singapore to study the country’s legal system and undertake internships with various barristers’ chambers.

Bachelor of Arts student and proud Rak Mak Mak Marranunggu woman Emily Tyaemaen Ford will head to South Korea to learn about the culture and share First Nation’s culture and art.