• A Charles Sturt University student’s New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarship has enabled meaningful connections and deeper understanding of Australia’s relationship with the Indo-Pacific region
• Seventeen Charles Sturt University students have travelled overseas on NCP scholarships since 2015

A Charles Sturt University psychology student has discovered the personal and academic benefits of international study in ‘a completely different cultural environment’.

Ms Sienna Heaton (pictured) is from the NSW Mid North Coast region and is currently in her third year of a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) with a minor in Justice Studies in the Charles Sturt School of Psychology.

Sienna is the recipient of a New Colombo Plan scholarship through the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to enable her to co-study at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. This is for approximately eight months, combining study, language training and an internship.

Two Charles Sturt University students have travelled overseas on NCP scholarships in 2026, making 11 students in the last five years, and 17 students since 2015.

Sienna said the NCP scholarship provided an incredible academic and personal growth opportunity.

“Living and studying at Yonsei University has allowed me to immerse myself in a completely different cultural environment, develop greater independence, and gain valuable international experience,” Sienna said.

“Through my studies, cultural activities and travel throughout Korea, I have learned so much about Korean society, history and culture.”

While at Yonsei University, Sienna is studying courses in political science, international relations and Korean language.

“These subjects complement my psychology studies by broadening my understanding of diplomacy, public policy and East Asian affairs,” she said.

As part of her NCP scholarship Sienna secured an internship with People for Successful Corean Reunification (PSCORE).

She said the experience has provided valuable insight into human rights advocacy, policy work and issues relating to North Korean refugees, which complements her academic studies, and broadens her understanding of the Korean Peninsula.

Sienna has also been selected to represent PSCORE at the Model United Nations Conference on Human Rights and North Korean Refugees (MUNSCR), hosted by the National Institute for Unification Education.

“As part of this role, I am contributing to the development of the conference guidebooks and background materials that delegates will use throughout the event,” Sienna said.

“This has provided valuable experience in policy research, drafting and communicating complex issues relating to human rights, North Korean refugees and international cooperation.

“These experiences will provide valuable opportunities to engage with policymakers, academics, diplomats, and fellow students interested in Korea-Australia relations, regional security and international cooperation.”

Sienna also attended the Conference for Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula (22–23 June) and was a presenter at the Korea Australia Future Forum (KAFF) (14-15 July).

She said psychology fits with the international relations work she is doing because it gives her a deeper understanding of how conflict, trauma and human rights abuses affect individuals and communities.

Her long-term goal is to work in forensic psychology, particularly within the juvenile justice system and correctional facilities, but she would also like to work in human rights, diplomacy, or international policy, collaborating across cultures to address global challenges and promote human rights and social justice.

Sienna encourages other Charles Sturt students to consider applying for a NCP scholarship.

“The NCP scholarship provided the opportunity to immerse myself in Korean culture, develop my language skills and gain valuable professional experience through my internship as well as build meaningful connections and learn more about Australia’s relationship with the Indo-Pacific region,” she said.

Sienna said she is very grateful for the support provided by the Charles Sturt Global team to facilitate her NCP scholarship and the process of navigating an international study experience.

She also encourages other students who are considering applying to the NCP to contact her if they have any questions or would like advice about the application process.