What our students say - Southern Cross University

Nevenya Cameron

Nevenya Cameron - 2023 New Colombo Plan Scholar

Nevenya is one of three SCU recipients of the prestigious New Colombo Plan Scholarship, awarded by the Australian Government in 2023. Nevenya is enrolled in a double degree in Bachelor of Laws and Creative Writing at SCU

For her overseas experience, Nevenya chose Konkuk University, where she recently completed her exchange program. She is now completing the last three months of her journey immersed in intensive language training in Busan—what an incredible experience!

"It was great to be totally immersed in Korean university life and to enjoy the exchange student experience. I got a lot out of it and will definitely recommend it to any and all SCU students. Korea was a great place to study, because it’s so different from Australia, so you really learn a lot about Australia’s position in the world and about the international powers in this region. Konkuk student life was super fun, I joined a club, and made some great friends both exchange students and Korean students. It’s a great place to study!" said Nevenya.

Laila Midson - Bachelor of Education

Participated in a semester-long exchange at Brock University, Canada, in August 2024.

"Studying abroad in Canada was, without a doubt, the best experience of my life. I embraced every moment, from immersing myself in a new culture to making lifelong friendships with people from all over the world. The sense of community, the excitement of campus life, and the countless adventures, whether cheering at sports games, exploring Toronto, or experiencing my first snowfall, made this journey unforgettable. I grew academically, socially, and personally in ways I never imagined. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity, and I could not encourage it more to anyone considering taking the leap. It truly changed my life." Laila said.

New Colombo Plan Three-Week Nursing Placement Program.

Twenty-six nursing students (10 in March, 16 in October 2024) completed a three-week placement at KLE University, Belagavi, India. They gained experience at Prabhakar Kore Hospital (specialized ICU units), the KAHER Simulation Lab, and primary health centers, conducting health assessments. Students engaged in geriatric care at Shanta Vrudhashram and participated in cultural programs at local schools.

They explored cultural landmarks, attended a meditation program at Ramakrishna Ashram, and participated in a Women’s Empowerment Conference. Australian academics, Associate Professor Christina Aggar and Dr. Frances Doran, accompanied the group.

"This program has given me a reality check on the kind of person I want to be—how I carry myself, how I speak with others, and the respect I show. In India, I saw firsthand that healthcare isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about seeing patients as people, understanding their journey, and showing genuine empathy. You hear it in theory all the time, but experiencing it for three weeks straight truly shifts your perspective." Ninah Waters- B.Nursing.

Selfie of student Laura with friend in British flag hats

Laura Cantwell

Studying a Bachelor of Business and Enterprise degree at the University of Hertfordshire in England on exchange.

Laura described herself as a “globally minded citizen.” She has spent the past 16 months working, volunteering, and travelling across five continents while maintaining a near-perfect GPA with her academic result at SCU. Laura has spent months volunteering as an English teacher in a remote village in Tanzania, as a beach lifeguard in Costa Rica, and on a sailing boat in Norway with an ocean clean-up NGO.

Experience Abroad

Laura is currently participating in a semester exchange at the University of Hertfordshire (UH). During her first week at UH, she contacted our exchange team to express her desire for yet another semester exchange at a different European institution. Below are Laura’s photos during her orientation week at UH, showcasing her engagement in a sports club for International students. Laura has already established her international friendships and connections and is building on her study abroad adventure.

Future plans

Our team encouraged Laura to explore the possibilities offered by the Erasmus+ scholarship to study at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy. Laura’s application was successful, and she has received a generous scholarship of 850 Euros per month for the duration of the exchange period. Laura is looking forward to her second exchange program in September 2024.