An Erasmus+ student mobility program, backed by the French Embassy, is enhancing research collaboration between the University of the South Pacific (USP) and the University of New Caledonia. Benjamin Delannoy, the French Chargé d’Affaires, emphasizes that the initiative encapsulates a regional vision aimed at uniting institutions through shared knowledge and cooperative efforts.
As part of this initiative, eight USP students will embark on three-month research internships, focusing on areas such as pharmacology, sustainable tourism, computer science, and cultural studies. Delannoy remarks that these research topics address common development challenges experienced by Fiji and the broader Pacific region.
“This mobility program provides an avenue for Fijian and Ni-Vanuatu students to explore, connect, and share their cultural heritage in New Caledonia while integrating it with new perspectives,” Delannoy stated. He further noted that the skills and insights gained through this initiative are anticipated to have a direct, positive impact on communities in Fiji.
Delannoy underscores that trans-Pacific student mobility and academic exchanges form the cornerstone of fostering robust and sustainable higher education partnerships within the region. Yves Lafoy, the Ambassador of New Caledonia to Fiji, expressed optimism regarding the potential for these academic exchanges to expand even further.
Officials involved in the program assert that the participating students will gain invaluable research experience, establish professional networks, and contribute to the enhancement of cooperation between Fiji and New Caledonia. This initiative not only strengthens academic ties but also encourages cultural exchange, thereby fostering a collaborative spirit among Pacific nations.
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