Twenty-one-year-old Chloe Le has embarked on a unique academic adventure at The University of the South Pacific (USP) this semester, driven by specialised knowledge and a desire to bridge cultural divides.
She is part of a selected group of Australian students benefiting from the prestigious New Colombo Plan Scholarship Program. This Australian Government initiative provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to study, language training and internships in Indo-Pacific countries.
While her undergraduate studies at the University of Adelaide focused on Politics, she recognised that USP offered a distinct lens through which to view global affairs.
“The reason why I ch
ose Fiji, specifically
USP, is its specialised courses that are so different from Australia. I am really keen to get started and understand how Pacific Islands establish international relationships
with each other and across the world,” Le said.
She was part of USP’s bustling Orientation programme, an experience she described as an “eye-opener.”
“Adjusting to a new environment and the warmer Fijian weather is part of the adventure. I was quite lost initially, luckily, one of the first-year buddies was able to guide me through today and made my experience a memorable one.”
Beyond the academics, Chloe is poised to gain invaluable insights from USP.
“It is easy to get caught up in the idea of moving to another country, it is a different place, with a different time zone, and some cultural norms can be quite different. I believe we have to be open-minded. Just be patient with yourself and adjust to the ways things are here.”
While her immediate focus is on her undergraduate studies, she has her sights on a Master’s programme at USP.
For international students considering USP, her experience offers a compelling invitation to embrace the unique academic offerings, be open to new environments, and trust in the supportive community that awaits at the heart of the Pacific.
The University of the South Pacific (USP) is still accepting applications for Semester 2, 2025.
Students can submit their applications online via www.usp.ac.fj/apply or visit the nearest USP campus.
New and continuing students must also register for courses online via https://studentsols.usp.ac.fj/
