Australian student Sophie is living and learning in Micronesia

Australian university student Sophie Rowan says she is having the experience and adventure of a lifetime here in the FSM.

Embassy of Australia to the FSM

March 24, 2023

Pohnpei—Sophie won an Australian scholarship to study and do work experience in the FSM under an Australian program called the New Colombo Plan.

The New Colombo Plan aims to lift the knowledge of Australian students about the Indo-Pacific region, by supporting them to study and live one or more countries.

The program helps young Australians to know more about and learn from their Pacific neighbours, and hopefully make lifelong friendships.

Sophie is spending a semester in Pohnpei, studying public health and Micronesian studies at the College of Micronesia in Pohnpei. This is complementing her Australian degree in Public Health and Global Studies at the Australian Catholic University in Australia.

Sophie is also doing a placement at the Pohnpei Department of Health Services, working with Dr Eliaser Johnson to collect key health data and conducting policy research for the Pohnpei State Health Review. Sophie says this has been an incredible opportunity to apply and develop the knowledge and skills she has learnt throughout her four years of study.

Sophie says living in the dorms on the COM campus has allowed her to make friends with people from all over FSM and learn about their diverse and unique cultures - including learning some fun Micronesian phrases!

Over the last two months, Sophie has also had many exciting adventures in Pohnpei, including climbing Pwisehn Malek, snorkelling Manta Road, and attending the Rotary Club Trivia Night and the International Women’s Day celebrations. She says these experiences have helped her make meaningful connections and friendships and filled her with a new-found passion for Pacific health and development.

“I’m so grateful for all of the wonderful people who have welcomed me into the community. I’m so happy to be in Pohnpei and couldn’t have chosen a better place to call my home away from home. Kalanghan Pohnpei!”