Olivia Wilson, a Chinese language student at the Australian National University who also works in the field of ocean science, won a three-month HES scholarship. She selected Tzu Chi University in Hualien, “... for its cultural heritage and ….the beautiful landscape of Hualien.” She is particularly interested in learning about the cultures of the Austronesian indigenous peoples on the east coast. She also commented that “Taiwan appeals to me because of my admiration for the preservation of Chinese culture and my desire to learn traditional characters.” She and the other 26 successful Australian candidates are excited about studying in Taiwan.

Another of the 27 HES recipients is Joshua Morgan who works in the Australian Government’s Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Joshua graduated from the University of New South Wales in Sydney with an MA in International Law and International Relations. He has had some earlier experience learning Chinese in Nanjing back in 2009 and understands the hard work and dedication it requires. He will spend nine months at National Taiwan University increasing his understanding of Taiwanese culture and society.