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Jennifer Tridgell is a penultimate year Bachelor of Arts (Politics & International Relations)/Laws student. She is a 2016 New Colombo Plan Scholar, presently on exchange at the University of Hong Kong. Jennifer will also be able to claim her exhange under GLX 01 Exchange or study abroad for 100 points. Learn more about Macquarie Student Exchange here.
Even after four months in Hong Kong, I am constantly amazed by how Asia is a door to endless opportunities. For me, the New Colombo Plan has provided the key, by supporting me to pursue study and internships in my chosen fields: Public International Law and Dispute Resolution.
The New Colombo Plan is a coveted Australian Government scholarship, which encourages greater knowledge of the Indo-Pacific region by supporting undergraduate students to live, study and work in nearby nations. There is also the New Colombo Plan mobility scheme, which can help Macquarie students to undertake regional PACE International projects, such as Cambodia and India.
Currently, I am studying law at the University of Hong Kong, which is the 2nd highest ranked university in Asia and one of Macquarie University’s official exchange partners. It offers a fascinating range of subjects, from International Economic Law to Human Rights in Hong Kong. As part of my studies, I am conducting a research project on use of technology in civil litigation in Hong Kong, in order to increase access to justice for foreign domestic helpers.
University lecturers and guest speakers alike are of an incredible calibre. I consider myself fortunate to have met influential legal personalities, including Justice Scalia of the Supreme Court of the United States, just two weeks before he unexpectedly passed away. From June, I am eager to learn more about the judiciary system first-hand, through my role as an assistant to a High Court judge in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is a bustling global metropolis, and an exciting second home. Universities have a rich sense of culture, which I enjoy by living in a local student hall that organises frequent social gatherings and sports activities. Between paddling for the Law Society of Hong Kong’s Dragon Boat team and acting as Secretary of the Australian-China Youth Association (Hong Kong), I am also an enthusiastic patron of local dim sum restaurants.
Asia has much on offer if you want to develop professional skills and networks. Earlier this year, I was a delegate at the Australia-China Emerging Leaders Summit (ACELS) in Shanghai. Additionally, I was invited by the Australian Consul General to attend the official Australia Day reception, alongside foreign dignitaries and business leaders. At these events, I was inspired by other peoples’ stories of success in living and working across diverse cultures. After my exchange, I shall undertake legal internships in Hong Kong and India with the support of the New Colombo Plan.
Regardless of how you come to Asia, whether through university exchange, language program or a scholarship such as the New Colombo Plan, it is exhilarating to step over that threshold into our region and embrace the boundless opportunities that it holds. I am very grateful to the Australian Government for its continuing support of the New Colombo Plan. Explore your future in Asia, and apply today.