Designing her own path through the New Colombo Plan
Sophia Ao at the Australia-Taiwan Alumni Gala Awards evening run by Australia Office.
Designing her own path through the new colombo plan
Fourth-year Monash Law/Commerce student Sophia Ao is three months into a self-designed New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarship in Taiwan and her experience is already proving transformative.
Alongside her double degree, Sophia is also completing a Diploma of Languages in Mandarin Chinese, a decision she made to complement the international focus of her NCP program.
“I’m currently very interested in international law and international arbitration,” she said, explaining that she hopes to pursue a career that blends diplomacy, global commercial practice and international dispute resolution.
“I’m interested in diplomacy and more international work at the moment”.
Discovering the New Colombo Plan
Sophia first came across the NCP through Monash Law publications highlighting past scholars.
“I saw an article with some of the scholars for the year before me and that prompted my interest to try to give it a go,” she said.
The application process was far from simple. She described a nine-month journey involving internal Monash selection rounds, written applications, interviews, and finally nomination to DFAT.
“It was quite a rigorous process which started in about March of last year and ended around November or December,” she explained.
But the length of the process only strengthened her commitment.
What attracted her most? The freedom to design something entirely unique.
“So many scholarships are already preset, but for New Colombo, it’s extremely unique that you can design your own program.”
Scholars can structure an experience lasting from three to 18 months, a level of flexibility she found unmatched. Sophia was also drawn to the scale and depth of the NCP’s alumni community.
“There’s just such a great support network. New Columbo Plan has been running since around 2014 and there are around a hundred scholars every year,” she said.
Pre-departure training for New Colombo Plan at Old Parliament House in Canberra.
Preparing in Canberra: Training, connection and a surprise guest
Sophia recalled the February pre-departure training in Canberra as the moment the scholarship truly became real.
“It really made it very real for me and very exciting,” she said.
“We had a couple of days of training in Canberra, hearing a lot from past scholars and understanding a bit more of what it's like to be on the program. I haven't been away from Melbourne for nine months at a time by myself, which is quite a big experience, especially balancing that alongside school.”
The week-long program brought scholars from across Australia together to learn from alumni and prepare for life abroad. For Sophia, hearing past scholars’ advice was invaluable.
“It was really helpful to hear their experiences and how they managed to get the most out of the program,” she said.
Senator the Honourable Penny Wong at the New Colombo Plan awards ceremony at Old Parliament House.
One highlight that stood out was the award ceremony at Old Parliament House, where the scholars received an unexpected guest.
“Senator the Honourable Penny Wong came over to make a short speech and say hello to us, which was very exciting. She’s one of my big inspirations and I really look up to her for the very inclusive Australia that she's creating.”
The event also helped her build early connections with the other Taiwan-bound scholars. These relationships have since become central to her experience overseas.
Designing a program with purpose
Sophia’s NCP program spans around nine months and includes three major components of study, intensive language training, and a professional internship.
Studying International Law in Taipei
Since August, Sophia has been enrolled at National Taiwan University, studying international law under visiting academics.
“Most of my courses have been in English. Mainly intensives under visiting professors, which has been very exciting.”
Her subjects have included private international law, commercial law in Asia, and courses that examine global legal issues through a multidisciplinary lens. These classes have reinforced her desire to work in international arbitration.
“All the subjects have been really interesting and have really solidified my interest to practice international law,” she said
Intensive Mandarin Training
In late December 2025, she begins one-on-one Mandarin study at LTL Taipei, with 15–20 contact hours per week for up to 12 weeks.
Although her family background is Cantonese-speaking, Sophia began university with no Mandarin ability. She taught herself beginner levels at home before enrolling in Monash’s Diploma of Languages.
Her growth since arriving in Taiwan has even surprised herself.
“Everyday interactions and immersion have already brought up my language level so much. I feel a lot more comfortable and happy using Mandarin.”
Sophia’s goal is clear. She wants to reach the level needed for professional legal and diplomatic environments.
Internship in Trade and Investment
Following her language training, Sophia will undertake an internship with Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) in Taipei.
“They deal a lot with trade and investment because there’s a very strong trade relationship between Queensland and Taiwan.”
The internship will give her hands-on experience with cross-border commercial relationships which is directly aligned with her future career ambitions.
Pre-departure meeting at Tapei Economic and Cultural Office.
Life in Taiwan: Connection, confidence and cultural immersion
When asked about her favourite aspects of the experience so far, Sophia struggled to narrow it down, but was keen to share far more than her top three highlights!
Living Like a Local
The depth of cultural immersion has been her greatest highlight.
“When you spend several months really living in a place, really living like a local, amongst the locals as well - those everyday interactions help you feel more comfortable in the culture.”
Taiwan’s welcoming environment has made her feel at home and accelerated her language learning.
Academic Inspiration
Learning from internationally mobile legal academics has broadened her global outlook.
“Every other month or week, they're in a different place and they're teaching international law to different students. They’ve got really interesting perspectives and are very inspiring.”
Building a Supportive Community
A tight-knit network of other NCP scholars has been central to Sophia’s experience. Weekly outings, which includes a surprisingly consistent group activity, have created a sense of family.
“We’ve made a habit every Tuesday and we go 10-metre air pistol shooting. It's just so nice to be able to share the experience. I’s been a big highlight.”
Exploring Taiwan’s Landscapes
With program approval, she recently visited a historic mining town in the mountains, which is a place she described as rich in culture and cinematic beauty.
“It was a very nice cultural experience to be able to experience the street stalls and beautiful lanterns. It was originally a mining town and it was interesting to think about how people back in the day would have lived.”
Growing Personal Confidence
Perhaps the most significant development has been personal.
“I’d never lived out of home before. So, this is also my first time living by myself,in a new city, managing and just experiencing a lot of things at once. It’s been really good for my personal growth.”
Daily interactions, even when her Mandarin wasn’t perfect, gave her the confidence to try, learn and grow.
“The locals make you feel so comfortable and encouraged. It motivates me and makes me feel more comfortable giving things a go.”
Sophia has even navigated earthquakes and typhoons. Surprisingly, these are experiences she describes with calm humour.
“Taipei hasn’t been hit too bad, just constant rain for a week and a half,” she smiled.
Australia-Taiwan Alumni Gala Awards evening run by Australia Office.
If you’re thinking about NCP ‘Give it a go’
Sophia has already spoken with several prospective NCP scholars from Monash Law and her message is consistent.
“It’s good to give it a go. I think the program is looking for people who are very curious about the world and wanting to develop a global perspective.”
She believes the NCP is not about expertise, but openness.
“ I think the program’s really got this emphasis on not necessarily looking for Asia Pacific experts or anything like that. It's more that they want really curious people who are open and ready and willing to learn.”
For students considering applying, she emphasises the once-in-a-lifetime nature of the opportunity.
“How many chances in your twenties do you get to go overseas for nine months at a time?”
And for law students in particular, she sees the program as deeply connected to Australia’s role in the evolving Indo-Pacific region.
“ Australia's position in the Indo-Pacific is rapidly changing and there are so many challenges that Australia faces over the next decade or so. At the same time, it's really a golden opportunity for the country to cement its place in the Asia Pacific as this strong partner and friend to the other neighbors that are around us. So, particularly in law, it's really important that there are people who work in diplomacy and do work in international law to create those links and bridges between countries.”
Her closing advice is simple, but powerful.
“If you’re even a little bit interested, just give it a go and see where the journey takes you.”