‘Go for it – even if it scares you’; an inside look at the transformative power of global student exchange
All it took was one decision to say yes that changed the trajectory of Carlie Sommers’ life – even though it meant daring to take a step into the unknown.
As a CQUniversity Townsville student, Carlie decided to embark on an exciting learning abroad program to Japan – one of the world’s most dynamic and busiest countries – through CQUniversity’s Global Learning Abroad Program with the support of a New Colombo Plan scholarship.
Whilst studying a Bachelor of Science (Applied Biology) with CQUniversity in 2023, Carlie decided it was the perfect opportunity to step outside of her comfort zone and “take on something new and challenging” – and she’s never looked back.
“Studying abroad felt like the perfect opportunity to grow academically, professionally and personally while experiencing a different culture,” Carlie said.
“As cliché as it sounds, it was truly transformative. Nothing compared to the experience of fully immersing myself in another culture. Living abroad is vastly different from visiting – it's about building a community, discovering your favourite local spots and learning not just the language but also the nuances of daily life.
“The experience reshaped my perspective in ways I never expected.”
Upon the completion of her learning abroad program at Hokkaido University, Carlie was then able to undertake a self-organised research internship at the Kikai Institute for Coral Reef Sciences on the remote island of Kikaijima in southern Japan.
It was here that she conducted baseline research on an unstudied coral reef ecosystem – and found her second home.
“Kikaijima became a second home to me. I was the longest-staying intern, and the locals welcomed me as one of their own,” Carlie said.
“I was invited to community dinners, entrusted with looking after houses while families travelled and lent a scooter by one of the families to explore the island. I took part in traditional Omatsuris (festivals), learned songs and dances and attempted to play the shamisen. I joined the dragon boat racing team during the summer festival and worked as a mentor assistant at the junior summer science camp, teaching kids about coral reef builders.
“The friendships we built, and those days spent together are something I will never forget.”
Along with the poignant memories and international friendships and connections that Carlie now has with her for a lifetime, it was also the skills developed along the way that transformed the now Honours student – in her studies, professional abilities and relational skills.
“This experience gave me a profound sense of confidence in my abilities - and the two biggest takeaways were confidence and interpersonal skills,” Carlie said.
“Initially, I struggled with imposter syndrome – wondering if I truly deserved such an incredible scholarship. I looked at my fellow scholars, all doing amazing things, and questioned how I measured up.
“However, over time, I realised that I was making the most of this opportunity. I excelled in courses taught partially in a language I didn’t understand; I took on one of the hardest languages to learn from scratch; I conducted research despite the language barrier and health problems I was facing.
“Most importantly, I showed up every day and pushed through challenges.”
Now back on home soil, Carlie is conducting her Honours research at CQU following a successful undergraduate project.
She said she continues to maintain ties with Japan, collaborating with the Kikai Institute for Coral Reef Science and keeps in touch with friends at Hokkaido University – some of whom she reported are now pursuing groundbreaking postgraduate research.
“Looking back, I now see that I do belong, and I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come,” Carlie said.
“With the amazing support of my course coordinator in formulating my study plan, along with the CQUGlobal staff in securing this amazing scholarship, I was able to partake in an opportunity that I can only describe as challenging, empowering and unforgettable.
“For anyone considering a CQUGlobal Program, I would say go for it – even if it scares you. Say yes to opportunities. The most rewarding experiences come from stepping into the unknown.”
Expressions of interest applications for 2026 NCP Scholarships are now open, with registrations closing on 20 July. To submit and register your interest, please visit the CQUGlobal Portal.
Find out more general information on learning abroad programs by visiting the CQUGlobal webpage.
The New Colombo Plan (NCP) is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region.
Transcript
[Music]
[Carlie Sommers]:
Stepping off the plane in Japan, everything felt unfamiliar. I didn't understand the language, the social etiquette was totally different, and trying to navigate the world's biggest city - yeah that was overwhelming. But a few weeks in those same streets they started to feel like home. Thanks to CUQGlobal, I was able to study abroad in Japan on a New Colombo Plan Scholarship and still stay on track with my degree.
The NCP application process, it's a rigorous journey that takes months, but I was lucky to have guidance from the CQUGlobal team and my referees and past scholars who shared their experience with me. Their advice made all the difference, especially when you're going for something this competitive.
I went to Japan wanting to grow in every way - academically, professionally, personally - and what I got was so much more than that. I didn't just study abroad, I lived it. Everyday life there taught me more than any textbook could. And it wasn't always easy; I had to figure out a new health care system after an injury, I missed home, I struggled to communicate, but each challenge taught me something about myself, about resilience, about finding connection in unexpected places.
And I did, I found community, I found rhythm, and I'm still learning the language today, still in touch with the people who made it feel like home.
Fitting the program into my degree was easier than I thought. My course coordinator helped me map it all out, I didn't have to pause my studies to do something this big - I got to do both.
One of the most unforgettable parts of my experience was living on Kikaijima, a remote island in southern Japan. I spent months researching untouched coral reefs with the Kikai Institute for Coral Reef Science and helped run the institute's high school program and their summer science camp teaching students all over the country about marine science. I threw myself into island life; I took part in traditional omatsuris which are festivals, and learned songs and dances and even took lessons to play the shamisen, a traditional string instrument from Japan. Kikaiima became a second home and the community welcomed me as one of their own.
Looking back I'm proud, not because of what I did but who I became because of it.
If you're thinking about studying abroad - do it. Let yourself be challenged, let yourself be changed and let yourself grow.
You won't come back the same but that's the best part.
