Levi McKenzie - Study Tour Alumni Testimonial

What was the highlight of your study tour?

My scholarly highlight was seeing the facilities and behind-the-scenes operations of multi-million dollar biotechnology companies and meeting the amazing people behind the metaphorical and physical masks, helping me gain direction in my career trajectory. Outside of this, spending time immersed within a different culture and making friends with people of all walks of life really opened my eyes to the world, which I think, had a profound effect on me and my view of the world. 

What motivated you to apply for the New Colombo Plan mobility grant?

I came across a random email for the study tour within my inbox and decided to try my luck at the application process.

What motivated you to participate in a study tour program in South Korea?

I was uncertain of what my career looked like after graduating my bachelor, so I applied in the hopes of finding some footing for my understanding and interpretation of what my future could hold as it was an industry-focused study tour. 

What challenges did you face during your study tour and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was the language barrier when communicating with the general public, especially while out shopping and eating. Fortunately, Google Translator’s speech to text function came in handy. I have many fond memories of chatting and smiling with elder members of the public that had never come across it while on day trips to rural areas of the countryside.

Do you have one piece of advice you would tell other students thinking about going on study tour?

Do it! There is no better time than the present. It is initially a scary and overwhelming experience and no matter how much you prepare, there is going to be a shock to the system. But who knows, this might be exactly what you need! It definitely eases quickly and that’s when the fun begins!

What was your biggest takeaway from your experience?

The world is a big place, but not so big that you cannot see yourself in people of different cultures and races.

What new skills or knowledge did you gain from the experience?

The most influential knowledge I gained from my visits is certainly what my day to day could be like after graduation once working in a lab, and the different cultural attitudes from South Korean companies towards their employees. Additionally, I was fortunate to be sitting next to a CEO of a biotechnology company. I learnt the importance of public relations, internal drive, and the amount of work it takes for one to find themselves in that position.

What is something that would entice you to travel back to South Korea?

I would happily travel back to South Korea to see a good friend I made on the study tour, and/or if a work opportunity presented itself, and even just for a holiday. The food and drinks are game changers!

 

How did participating in a study tour influence your personal growth?

It was the first time I had ever been overseas solo, and taking the time out, away from family and friends, to investigate the field that interests me was certainly the kick-starter I needed to chase growth not only in my career but also myself. Through meeting affluential people within, parallel to, and outside of my field, I learnt that life and work has no set trajectory for growth, but determination is the common factor.

How did this overseas experience impact your academic or career goals?

The study tour led me to change the preconceived idea I had in my mind relating to my career and academic goals. It led to me changing into the honours stream for my course, which is where I find myself currently, in the last semester of my honours year in early 2025, and has inspired me to not only seek to improve my skills at home, but has turned my attention outward and overseas for potential career growth and opportunities to contribute to my field. 

Did the financial support from the New Colombo Plan mobility grant impact your decision to apply or facilitate your ability to participate in the study tour program?

Absolutely! There is no doubt in my mind that I would not have been able to afford the trip without it. Forces outside of my control rendered me unable to pay for the trip in it’s entirety upon application for the tour. The New Columbo Plan Mobility Plan funding was pivotal in my ability to participate in the study tour program, and I am still honoured and thankful to be selected for the program.