• Two Charles Sturt University students have been awarded Australian Government New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarships for 2021
• Ms Clare Reeves and Ms Alissa Paulson are among 125 Australian undergraduate students who will study in the Indo-Pacific region in 2021
• The scholarships are recognition of their academic excellence, leadership in the community, adaptability and resilience.

Two Charles Sturt University students have been awarded Australian Government New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarships for 2021, in recognition of their academic excellence, leadership in the community, adaptability and resilience.

Ms Clare Reeves and Ms Alissa Paulson are among 125 Australian undergraduate students who will study in the Indo-Pacific region in 2021, immersing themselves in the region’s culture, while being financially supported by the Australian Government.

The students will learn new languages, further their studies, and gain work experience as interns with organisations across the region.

Ms Reeves is studying a Bachelor of Applied Science (Parks, Recreation and Heritage) in the Charles Sturt School of Environmental Sciences and was also announced as Solomon Islands Fellow, acknowledging her as the top-ranked candidate in her host location.

Normally studying online from her home in Boorooma NSW, Ms Reeves will now experience life as a full-time student at the Solomon Islands National University where she will study subjects that complement her Charles Sturt degree before undertaking an internship.

Ms Reeves said her goal was to bring environmental education to remote communities and protect native ecosystems.

“My study at Charles Sturt has helped me towards this dream, and being awarded the NCP Scholarship is a huge step forward for me!” said Ms Reeves.

Matthew Hunt, Course Director, School of Environmental Sciences said Clare is a wonderful student who is very engaged and passionate about environmental practice, sustainable agriculture, and community engagement.

“Her lecturers and fellow students know that she will be the perfect ambassador and will contribute so much to all the people she meets whilst in the Solomon Islands,” said Mr Hunt

Ms Paulson is studying a double degree Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Criminal Justice at the Port Macquarie campus, and notably is Charles Sturt University’s first Indigenous NCP Scholar.

Ms Paulson said she was honoured and privileged to be representing Aboriginal people and paving the way for Aboriginal youth and students.

“The NCP scholarship experience will allow me to continue growing professionally and personally, and to continue growing into the leader and advocate I hope to be someday for Australia, and importantly for First Nations people,” said Ms Paulson.

Heather McGregor, Director of Indigenous Student Success at Charles Sturt University said this scholarship marked an exciting new chapter for Ms Paulson’s studies.

“Alissa’s participation in her studies, as well as the leadership she has shown when encouraging other First Nation students to explore alternate entry pathways and engage in higher education, has earnt her a great deal of respect from the Charles Sturt First Nations team,” said Ms McGregor.

Ms McGregor added this experience overseas will make Alissa an even stronger First Nations woman, with a very bright future ahead of her.

Ms Paulson plans to undertake study at Dongguk University in the Republic of Korea, before completing internships in both the Republic of Korea and Japan.

Ms Lara Basanovic, Manager, Learning Abroad and Exchange in the Office of Global Engagement and Partnerships said the NCP scholarships gave students the opportunity to develop lifelong networks while studying, living and working in international communities.

“Ms Paulson and Ms Reeves both embody Charles Sturt’s values, and we are proud to have such incredible ambassadors representing us in Australia and abroad,” said Ms Basanovic.

Charles Sturt students who are interested in undertaking an international experience as part of their degree or would like to apply for the New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program next year are encouraged to contact CSU Global for further information.