In summary

  • Swinburne student Mitch Guest is making the most out of his semester exchange in Korea through the New Columbo Plan Scholarship

  • The scholarship provides funding for Australian undergraduate students to undertake a semester exchange program in addition to other international studies

Swinburne student Mitch Guest is getting the most out of his Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Innovation and Design degrees as a New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholar. 

The NCP Scholarship is a prestigious Australian Government program which provides funding for Australian undergraduate students to undertake a semester exchange program in addition to other international studies in the Indo-Pacific region, including overseas internships and study tours.

Scholars can be overseas for up to 19 months, gaining international perspectives and developing professional relationships across the region.

Semester exchange in South Korea

Mitch began his international travels with a semester exchange to Hongik University in Seoul, South Korea. He chose South Korea as his exchange location for the thriving technology industry and advancements in engineering and design. It offered him a fast-paced environment and international hub to develop his academic understandings.

“By far, my biggest highlights were the hundreds of new people I met. As soon as you realise that everyone is in the same position, you instantly have something in common and can develop an incredible friendship. I will and do miss them all, and we are already planning to see each other again next year!”

Studying a semester abroad can be daunting, but Mitch says the Hongik University community were welcoming and supportive as he navigated life in a new country. 

“Each exchange student was partnered up with a local Hongik student who we could ask questions to. They helped show us around and assisted me many times, including organising my phone number and bank account. They had such a big impact on my experience.”

Since returning to Australia, Mitch has reflected on how his semester exchange has influenced him. 

“Opportunities like this enhance the value of your university experience. Employers are going to be intrigued by the months you spent in another country and find that experience enhances your degree. Personally, it dramatically changed me for the better. It reinvoked my love for travel and meeting people and has inspired me to work abroad in the future,” he says.

Internship in Indonesia

As an NCP Scholar, Mitch also undertook a three-month internship in Indonesia. He chose Indonesia to contrast the fast-paced environment of Seoul with the relaxed lifestyle in Bali, and to utilise his previous Indonesian language study.

Mitch at OXO Living’s grand launch 

The host company, OXO Living, is responsible for the development and maintenance of luxury villa properties in Bali, Indonesia. 

Mitch’s primary role was a junior project manager where he facilitated procurement initiatives, attended consultation meetings, and oversaw solar panel plans alongside the sustainability lead. He was also involved in the technical implementations of virtual reality, 3D modelling, and audiovisual exhibition set up, among other projects.

“My supervisor was quite senior in the company which meant I had great scope of OXO on all levels. Even when busy, he would take the time to sit with me and talk through what he was doing,” he says.

“The team was very friendly and always willing to help. I was also given a lot of responsibility, making me feel my contributions were useful. By the end, I was the lead in organising many tasks and exhibitions.” 

Where Seoul offered him the opportunity to study in a cutting-edge bustling city, Bali provided a chance to unwind. “I miss being able to surf first thing in the morning and go for runs with new people each week through rice fields and over sandy beaches,” Mitch says.

“Having international experience as a worker in Australia is an advantage over other graduates, giving me both a global perspective and cross-cultural industry experience,” he says. 

“While a degree gets you in the front door, there are so many external opportunities you need to be involved in. No matter which industry I end up working in, my studies have given me a solid understanding of the field and Work Integrated Learning has helped me develop so many soft skills that will make me even more employable.”

Applications for the New Columbo Plan Scholarship and other overseas experiences are now open.  

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