University students study peace in Latin American

The University of Auckland has been awarded more $150,000 in this student scholarship round. Twenty Masters students in the Conflict and Terrorism programme will travel to Universidad de los Andes in Bogota for a four-week programme next year.

New Zealand’s Ambassador to Colombia, Lucy Duncan, says that the Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Latin America contribute to the bilateral relationship, particularly since the opening of the new Embassy in Bogota in March.

“We are seeing an increase in the number of young Colombians wanting to study for higher degrees in New Zealand and, as this programme shows, the interest is reciprocated by New Zealand students”.

Ambassador Duncan said that New Zealand is committed to accompanying Colombians on their path to enduring peace, following the signing of the Peace Agreement in December 2016.

“As an example. New Zealand is contributing to demining in rural regions, so that families can return safely to their farms and schools. We are also seeing outstanding results from a programme to enable the adaptation of pasture-based dairying to small farms in conflict-affected areas.

“And, the New Zealand experience of managing water as a shared resource among stakeholders, including Māori, is being adopted by Columbia. It is proving a successful model for indigenous people, the sugar cane industry and local government, in a region where conflict amongst illegal armed groups is still happening.”

Nearly 80 New Zealand students will travel to Latin America on a Prime Minister’s scholarship next year. This is a 45 percent increase from 2017, suggesting that student interest in Latin America is growing as a result of the Government scholarship scheme.

In addition to these Latin American Awards, the University of Auckland has received funding for 24 students to participate in six to eight week group scholarships in Asia through the Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia.

These group internships, in addition to 16 individual scholarships awarded to Auckland students for global internships support the strong demand by students for opportunities for overseas internships.

This work will be highlighted when the University hosts the Global Internship Conference, co-chaired by Brett Berquist, Director International, at the University of Auckland in July 2019.