New Colombo Plan: Opportunity for exchange study and internship in Hong Kong

The New Colombo Plan (NCP) is an Australian government initiative that supports Australian undergraduates taking up scholarships and undertaking internships in the region, making study in Asia a rite of passage for them. Mr Jake Schatz, an Australian incoming exchange student from La Trobe University, was honoured to be one of the 69 scholars who took part in 2015. He shared his fulfilling experiences of his exchange studies and internship in Hong Kong.

Looking back, what do you feel about the half year spent at Lingnan?
My exchange term in Spring 2015 was a brilliant cultural learning experience. I enjoyed engaging in Lingnan’s unique liberal arts education. To be honest, at first I did not settle well into my classes at Lingnan, because the classroom environment and teams were very different from what I was used to. I found it extremely challenging to work with large teams of local students, as I was the only exchange student in three of my classes.

It was not until later, after I had nearly completed the internship, that I realised how valuable it was to experience Lingnan’s liberal arts tradition and its student-oriented teaching. For instance, my project management class was very hands on and practical. I looked at every task from a project management standpoint, which helped me to improve my time management skills.

I cherish the friendships I gained while living on this residential and internationalised campus with a small student body during my time at Lingnan. All of the Lingnan students I met, especially my local student buddies, Stephen and Claire, were exceptionally supportive during my time there. I often hung out with them and other incoming exchange students from all over the world. To explore all that we could in Hong Kong, we went on cultural excursions, hiking, ate at the local eateries etc.

I also learned beyond the classroom by travelling to Japan, Singapore, the Philippines and mainland China. I got my advanced open water diving certificate in Malapascua, something I had always wanted to do. 

Group photo with Hostel E football teammates

Cycling in Cheung Chau with other incoming exchange students and local buddies

Tell us about your internship experience. How did your business knowledge gained from Lingnan classes prepare you for your internship?
In June 2015, I returned to Hong Kong to take up a 5-month internship with the QBE Insurance Group. I worked in the regional headquarters and enjoyed unparalleled access to senior leaders. Learning about human resources (HR) topics with a Hong Kong focus in my classes at Lingnan was the perfect preparation for my internship in the HR team. I learned important lessons about Hong Kong’s labour ordinance. During my internship, I was exposed to a very exciting industry that I now want to pursue a career in.

Mr Paul Tighe, Australian Consul-General Hong Kong and Macau (left) with thanked Mr Jake Schatz (middle) and Mr David Fried (right), CEO Emerging Markets QBE Insurance Group and NCP Business Champion, at the New Colombo Plan Reception

How did the NCP deepen your understanding of Asia and raise your cultural awareness?
My exposure to HR topics in Hong Kong helped me put Australia’s society in perspective. For instance, the proportion of women in leadership is much higher in Asia than in Australia. This was a big shock to me at first, with my perception of the traditional Asian values of male dominated hierarchies. However, in Hong Kong, this is often at the expense of domestic helpers from other financially deprived Southeast Asia countries. Women in leadership is a topic that I have become very passionate about since meeting so many amazing female leaders over the course of the year.

As a country boy whose life was pretty simple a few years back, these were things I had never really thought about before. My overall understanding of the world grew quickly through discussing various issues with people from other countries. I now fully understand the value of cultural diversity. I am aware of what cultural barriers can exist, and I have learnt that making the tiniest effort with language always goes such a long way. All this helped during my time at QBE, as I found it so much easier to make friends with the locals.

How would you conclude your exciting year in Hong Kong? 
I am very sad to be leaving Hong Kong soon, but I know I will return because it is one of the most special places I have ever been. I would love to see more NCP students coming to Lingnan!