A MID North Coast student is gaining international experience while building skills that will support a future career in psychology and human rights through a prestigious Australian Government scholarship.
Sienna Heaton, a third-year Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) student with a minor in Justice Studies, is spending approximately eight months studying, undertaking language training and completing an internship at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, after receiving a New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarship.
The scholarship, funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, supports Australian students to study and work across the Indo-Pacific region.
Sienna said the opportunity had transformed both her academic studies and personal outlook.
“Living and studying at Yonsei University has allowed me to immerse myself in a completely different cultural environment, develop greater independence, and gain valuable international experience,” she said.
“Through my studies, cultural activities and travel throughout Korea, I have learned so much about Korean society, history and culture.”
While in Seoul, Sienna is studying political science, international relations and Korean language alongside her psychology degree.
“These subjects complement my psychology studies by broadening my understanding of diplomacy, public policy and East Asian affairs,” she said.
As part of the scholarship, Sienna secured an internship with People for Successful Corean Reunification (PSCORE), where she is gaining experience in human rights advocacy and policy relating to North Korean refugees.
She has also been selected to represent PSCORE at the Model United Nations Conference on Human Rights and North Korean Refugees and has contributed to the development of conference guidebooks and background materials.
Sienna also attended the Conference for Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula and presented at the Korea Australia Future Forum.
She hopes to pursue a career in forensic psychology within the juvenile justice system but also sees opportunities in human rights, diplomacy and international policy.
“The NCP scholarship provided the opportunity to immerse myself in Korean culture, develop my language skills and gain valuable professional experience through my internship as well as build meaningful connections and learn more about Australia’s relationship with the Indo-Pacific region,” she said.
Since 2015, 17 Charles Sturt University students have undertaken New Colombo Plan scholarships, including two students in 2026.
By Sis HIGGINS
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