Travel Abroad with Deakin
Environmental Sustainability Placement with Conservation Volunteers New Zealand
In 2022, I chose to complete my placement in New Zealand as a part of my degree to broaden my learning to an international context. From the skills I developed thus far, I felt encouraged to positively contribute to the New Zealand landscape and communities. Learning that “New Zealand’s fragile environment is, unfortunately, suffering a decline in endangered species and environmental degradation [and] … scientists are concerned about the changes occurring in the local environment and climate”, I knew I wanted to be a part of environmental projects that focus on “preserving and restoring New Zealand’s unique wilderness and natural landscape.” My goals for this trip were to support the New Zealand community, build personal awareness and foster an encouraging environment within my team.
Over 3 weeks alongside my peers, I contributed to local environmental initiatives around Christchurch to support “endangered species protection, disaster relief, tree planting, and heritage restoration”, I applied my theoretical learning, learned from my environment, and fostered discussions with my peers. Through engaging with diverse communities across Christchurch, I broadened my environmental thinking by learning from a range of perspectives and experiences to have a holistic mindset. Learning from international perspectives and contexts, I developed my awareness and had a deeper appreciation for discussions and the insights that stem from curiosity. This was meaningful for me because I had the opportunity to engage with industry professionals which built my confidence in future career prospects as I saw roles in conservation from bush crew, local environmental organisations to corporate organisations. During my time, I developed a range of skills and positively contributed to environmental change by working on a range of environmental initiatives to support local community groups and their goals of restoration and regeneration. From these experiences, I learnt that I enjoy working with community groups to implement environmental change. Therefore I brought a sense of passion and curiosity to our opportunities and fostered a productive learning environment. As a result of our efforts, we planted and promoted the establishment of hundreds of native species during our 80-hour placement and engaged with over 10 local environmental organisations, positively influencing the communities we worked with. I successfully met my goals of supporting the New Zealand community and building personal awareness during my time. This was important for me because I wanted to use my professional practice unit to support communities, foster my passion for environmental change and understand what options are available as a graduate.
In addition to supporting environmental initiatives across Christchurch, I wanted to foster an encouraging environment and meaningful experience for my Deakin peers. Having all come from diverse backgrounds, I wanted to learn from my peers and support them during our time in New Zealand. When getting to know my peers, I learnt that someone was more hesitant when living abroad. Having recognised myself in the same position, I wanted to support my friend in any way that I could. By checking in, having meaningful discussions, and encouraging her aspirations, I saw her confidence blossom during our trip. For example, when planning our weekends, my friend stayed behind to study for an upcoming assignment. Upon hearing that their family was also encouraging her to join us and knowing she was committed to her studies, I planned a trip for all of us for one weekend. When planning our itinerary, I noticed that my friend was excited to see the local wildlife but unable to stay the whole weekend due to her studies. When researching, I found a company with regular bus services and suggested a day trip for her. Together we travelled to Akaroa and saw local wildlife and engaged in other activities. This was a memorable experience for all of us, with my friend visibly elated to be able to travel and study over the weekend. By having a strong awareness of the needs of others and using my strengths in planning, organising and implementing projects, I felt that I was able to create a positive and memorable experience for my peers. This experience taught me the simplicity of empowering others and the enriching impact leadership can have. Upon building our friendship, I noticed that my friend was passionate about an area of study. When discussing this further, I noticed that she wanted to pursue this area but was still uncertain. When listening to her perspective, knowing that I could encourage her but also understanding her boundaries, I felt that I had a positive influence on her wellbeing by being a sounding board for her and encouraging deeper thinking. This was meaningful for me because I learnt that empowering others can also be more passive, encouraging others along their own journey. Following our trip, I received a message saying she made the change to the course and was proud of herself, I saw her personal awareness develop during our trip and fruition into change. This moment made me realise the value of emotional intelligence in creating awareness and development in others. By empowering others in a variety of ways during my trip, I felt that I contributed positively to the confidence and well-being of others. Looking back, my time with Conservation Volunteers New Zealand was a truly enriching experience that helped me grow confident in my capabilities of applying my environmental knowledge, teamwork and leadership.
“During the trip, Cheryl was without a doubt, the person who brought out my confidence the most while I was there, something which I was lacking a lot before I volunteered. She was always there to support me and provide guidance wherever needed. I grew so much from this trip because of her, and the impact she had on me is the reason for the confidence I have in myself today.”
Immersion Program: Japanese Politics, Society and Culture
In 2023, I joined the AIS203: Immersion Program: Japanese Politics, Society and Culture as an elective, expanding beyond the requirements of my science-based degree. In understanding my passion for giving back to the community and learning, I knew that studying outside of my faculty would garner a broader sense of awareness, a natural next step in my leadership journey. Within an international context, I wanted to develop my understanding of governance an area of interest for me following my time in New Zealand and with Hobsons Bay City Council. By studying abroad with the arts faculty, the program aimed to encourage students to "gain insights into Japan’s distinctive culture and be encouraged to utilise these insights to reflect upon their own culturally-embedded understandings and consider how they can enhance their intercultural communication skills and competencies" over 3 weeks in country. My goals for this program included building my awareness, learning from others and broadening my comfort zone.
“Based at Musashi University in Tokyo, [I engaged in] a program of guest lectures, seminars, workshops and field trips”. As an international student, I was prompted to compare my understanding and assumptions to the culture of Japan. By remaining curious and thinking deeply about my experiences, I built an understanding of the different aspects in Japanese society, culture and politics overtime. For instance, during our visit to Hiroshima we listened to an atomic bomb survivor, visited the atomic bomb dome and visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. This experience was very difficult for me as the granddaughter of a Filipino soldier who was held captive by Japanese soldiers, a prisoner of war. I found the discussions very difficult and had a great sense of grief. What struck me the most was how Japan uncovered deep feelings and inner conflict given my ancestry. I was able to reflect on how my life is different because of the sacrifices my grandfather made for me. After having a conversation with my program supervisor, I was able to maintain perspective and define my limits to maintain a sense of wellbeing during my trip. A key takeaway from this experience is how I could grow from my experiences and prevent drastic consequences in future. This was important for me to process my experiences and focus on developing my awareness. Understanding that I was studying outside of my faculty, I had discussions with my peers and learnt from their perspectives. Learning from my peers with anthropocentric, law and international relations degrees, I felt supported during my time and encouraged to have and learn from difficult discussions. From my study experience in Japan, I developed a deeper sense of empathy and awareness for others. Understanding the gravity of governance decisions and wide-reaching consequences, I learnt to think holistically and critically about influential actions, particularly on a diplomatic level. By fostering a global mindset, I was receptive to the differences I saw and encouraged curious discussions with my peers, supporting an open learning environment and prompting critical thinking. By approaching and collaborating with my peers to have dynamic discussions, I contributed to my learning and learning of others, creating a positive learning environment during our trip. Following my time in Japan, I have become more emotionally resilient and in tune with the needs of others outside of my scope extending globally and to future generations. Furthermore, my global mindset was developed during the program, and I have learnt to maintain a holistic empathetic mindset in my future career as an industry leader in governance.
Furthermore, as an exchange student, I was enthusiastic about the learning, skills and friendships during my time with Musashi University. I brought a sense of excitement when joining the set cultural activities within the itinerary. For example, we had a cultural food exchange and I brought along the Cadbury chocolate furry friends, when talking to local students I asked what they knew about Australian wildlife and talked through our wildlife referencing the images on the chocolate. From this, I got to know Musashi students and built friendships. As a result, we held a dinner with both Deakin and Musashi University students fostering a sense of community and international relationships. By being an enthusiastic member of our study tour, I contributed to a welcoming and friendly environment for university students alike. This was a meaningful experience for me as the connections and relationships I built during my time helped me feel supported while studying abroad and I was able to learn from others. The same feeling I hoped to have shared with my DUELI buddies when I was a local buddy and an experience I hope to share with others in future. Overall, I was able to broaden my awareness and think critically about my assumptions, my experiences abroad prompted exponential personal growth. With all my experiences, I am committed to a holistic mindset and strive to have an impact through leadership in my everyday actions. Looking back, my time in Japan was deeply impactful in developing a greater awareness of myself, others and global thinking. Having learnt from a range of perspectives to inform my own thinking, I am deeply grateful for the learnings I gained during my time at Musashi University.