The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region.
Based on the success of the pilot phase in 2014, the New Colombo Plan is more widely implemented across the Indo-Pacific from 2015 to include 38 host locations. Taiwan is invited to participate in the New Colombo Plan for 2015 round as one of the eligible host countries.
On 24 of November, the Foreign Minister of Australia the Hon Julie Bishop MP and Education Minister the Hon Christopher Pyne MP announced 3,173 undergraduate students from 37 universities would be supported by the New Colombo Plan mobility grants for 2015 round.
Among which, there will be 54 Australian students from 7 universities heading to Taiwan for in country study and internship, which included: Australian Catholic University, James Cook University, La Trobe University, The Australian National University, The University of Melbourne, University of South Australia, and University of Western Sydney.
The host partner institutions in Taiwan includes Fu Jen Catholic University; Department of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University; National Tsing Hua University; National Academy of Civil Service, Taiwan Changhua Country Government; College of Commerce, National Chengchi University; Taipei Performing Arts Centre of the Ju Jen Catholic University; National Central University, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology and Yuan Ze University.
Following, New Colombo Plan 2015 scholars was announced on 2 of December that a group of 69 of Australia’s most talented undergraduate students have been awarded NCP scholarships to live, study and work in the region for up to one year. The scholars will study in wide range of disciplines including language and culture, law, business, engineering and natural sciences.
For instance, International Studies Law student Rose Vassel from the University of New South Wales will study at the National Taiwan University, and undertake the international Chinese language Program, an intensive year-long Mandarin program. “I’m hoping my time in Taiwan will increase my appreciation of the complexity of other cultures and languages, and provide me with the experience to thrive in challenging international settings,” said Vassel.
This is the first year Australia’s New Colombo Plan includes Taiwan – an exciting step forward for educational exchanges between our young people. Education Division of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia and the Australian Office in Taipei will work collaboratively to assist students and scholars with in country support.
