By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
A Ferntree Gully social work student is among the three Charles Sturt University (CSU) students selected for the prestigious New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarship for 2025, offering her a unique opportunity to study and intern in Fiji.
Kate Tannin, 29, is currently completing a Bachelor of Social Work through CSU’s distance education program and she’s set to spend six months at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji, where she will undertake a combination of full-time study, language training, and a humanitarian internship focused on disaster relief.
“I’ve always dreamed of studying abroad and immersing myself in a new culture, but I never thought it would be possible. This scholarship is truly a dream come true,” Ms Tannin said.
“The opportunity to study and intern in Fiji will open doors I previously could only imagine – both personally and professionally.”
For Ms Tannin, who grew up in Ferntree Gully, the chance to study in the Indo-Pacific is particularly significant.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have been selected for this opportunity. I’m one of the older candidates for the scholarship, so I knew it might be my last chance. It’s really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to broaden my knowledge and gain practical experience in an area of social work that’s very new to me – humanitarian disaster relief,” she said.
The NCP scholarship, an initiative of the Australian Government, supports Australian undergraduate students to undertake study, language training, and internships in the Indo-Pacific for up to 19 months.
Ms Tannin’s six-month program in Fiji will allow her to gain cross-cultural experience, an essential component of social work practice, and to build on her academic learning in a global context.
“Fiji faces significant challenges due to its vulnerability to natural disasters, and I’m excited to learn about disaster relief and how social work can be part of recovery efforts. It’s an area that hasn’t traditionally been linked with social work, but it’s an essential field as we look at the global impacts of climate change and humanitarian crises,” Ms Tannin said.
She will undertake one semester of full-time study, focusing on topics like human rights, politics, and social development, before joining a humanitarian organisation for an internship.
“This will be a chance to see how social work can contribute to disaster recovery efforts and community resilience, particularly in the Pacific region, where natural disasters are so prevalent,” she said.
Ms Tannin’s selection comes after a long application process that began with Charles Sturt University nominating students who met the scholarship’s criteria.
“I first applied for the 2024 intake but wasn’t successful, so to be nominated again for 2025 and finally receive the scholarship feels amazing,” she said.
“When I found out I had been selected, I was speechless. I immediately called my fiance – though I could barely get the words out! It’s such a relief and an honour to have the chance to study abroad.”
While her academic journey will be a major milestone, Ms Tannin is also excited about the personal growth the scholarship will bring.
“Fiji will be a completely different world for me. It’s a real chance to immerse myself in a new culture and see the world through a different lens. It’ll be life-changing,” she said.
Her journey to this point has been supported by many communities that have shaped her life.
“The strength and resilience of the communities I’ve been part of – whether in the sports world, through my local trampoline and horse-riding communities, or my family – have been a huge influence on my decision to pursue social work,” she said.
“I want to help empower communities, particularly in the context of disaster recovery and prevention. That’s where my passion lies.”
Although her studies in Fiji will bring her significant distance from her home in Ferntree Gully, Ms Tannin has the support of her fiance, who she will marry in March 2025.
“It’s going to be a huge year for both of us – getting married and then embarking on this study adventure in Fiji,” she said.
“He won’t be joining me right away, but I’m sure he’ll visit. I’m lucky to have such a supportive partner who’s always encouraged me to chase my dreams.”
Ms Tannin plans to graduate from Charles Sturt University in 2027 and hopes to build an international career in social work.
“My goal is to work internationally, particularly in the fields of disaster prevention and recovery. I want to work with communities, helping them build resilience and recover from natural disasters,” she said.
“Fiji will be an incredible learning experience, and I’m excited to bring that knowledge back to Australia.”
The New Colombo Plan scholarship is part of the Australian Government’s initiative to foster deeper ties with the Indo-Pacific region by supporting Australian students to study, live, and work in the region.
Ms Tannin is one of 219 Australian undergraduates selected for the 2025 cohort.
With a passion for social work, a commitment to humanitarian efforts, and a dream of working internationally, Ms Tannin’s journey from Ferntree Gully to Fiji is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her academic and professional life.
Charles Sturt University, Australia’s largest regional university, continues to support its students in accessing global opportunities like the New Colombo Plan, with campuses across regional and metropolitan Australia.
