On 11 September 2015, New Colombo Plan China alumni had the opportunity to share details about their overseas experiences during a roundtable discussion hosted by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China and New Colombo Plan Secretariat.
Initiated by the Chinese Embassy in Canberra, the event was an opportunity for students to provide direct feedback about their New Colombo Plan mobility experiences in China, including what they learnt and how it could be improved.
Students from La Trobe University, Monash University, Queensland University of Technology, the Australian National University and the University of Canberra participated in the event.
Many of the students said they had gained a greater understanding of Chinese culture and observed differences in how university education was delivered in China. Students also reflected on the new and interesting ideas to which they had been exposed.
For example New Colombo Plan mobility grant recipient Benjamin Rangi, from Queensland University of Technology, participated in a professional development experience at Peking University's Health Science Centre in July 2015 and said:
"I was impressed by the depth of the experience. I had the opportunity to visit six hospitals in Beijing. Our group was shown around facilities and learnt about the history, the services and the policies. I was given valuable insights on a range of health issues from disease control to mental health."
A number of students said their New Colombo Plan opportunity had sparked an interest in undertaking further study overseas, including in China.
Over 1,400 Australian undergraduate students are being supported through the New Colombo Plan to study in China in 2015 and 2016.
Credit: DFAT
Credit: DFAT