“I’ll Never Forget the Day We Arrived” – Emma Vaughan from the University of York Reflects on Life in Fiji

On 29th June 2022, University of York student, Emma Vaughan, joined other UK students on a Think Pacific project to Nativi, Ra, Fiji.

Funded by the university through the new Turing Scheme, this experience was a huge success at demonstrating the impact global mobility can have on both students and host communities.

In partnership with the Fiji Government, Ministry of Health and local partners, these projects have contributed to Fiji’s National Development Plan and the UN’s Sustainability Goals.

Emma joined a project that helped to build a health dispensary for the local community.

Global Mobility and the Turing Scheme

Launched in 2021, the Turing Scheme has replaced the Erasmus+ programme in providing funding for participants in UK universities, colleges, and schools, to go on international study and work placements.

The University of York successfully applied for Turing Scheme funding to help their students embark on a unique 4 week global, work-based programme in the Fiji Islands led by Think Pacific, in partnership with the Fijian Government and other local partners.

Throughout the project, participating students expanded their cultural fluency and global citizenship, as well as accessing Think Pacific’s influential partners at an international level.

Emma’s Experience in Fiji

In the video interview below, Emma shares her first-hand experiences of life in Fiji, why she decided to join a Think Pacific project, and what she gained from the experience.

Emma is a first year student, studying biomedical sciences at University of York.