2026 New Colombo Plan Alumni Representative: Maryam Mardani

When Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition) student Maryam Mardani travelled to Nepal in 2024 through the New Colombo Plan Mobility Project, it became more than just a study experience, it changed how she sees healthcare and the role she hopes to play in the future. It’s a journey that has since led to her being selected as a 2026 New Colombo Plan Alumni Representative.

The New Colombo Plan is an Australian Government initiative that supports students to study, work and gain experience across the Indo-Pacific. For Maryam, it was an opportunity to step into a new environment and experience health in a way that felt real, immediate and deeply connected to the communities around her.

New Colombo Plan Mobility Project in Nepal

Working alongside local communities and health professionals gave Maryam a clearer understanding of how health is shaped day-to-day.

“During my time in Nepal, I gained firsthand insight into the determinants of health in low-resource settings, including the impacts of food accessibility, sanitation, education, and traditional health practices. It also highlighted the importance of prevention and community-based education particularly in settings where resources are limited and the role these approaches play in supporting long-term health outcomes.

“Seeing how communities approach health with limited resources highlighted the importance of preventative care, community education, and culturally appropriate health interventions. It reinforced that health outcomes are not determined solely by clinical treatment, but by broader social and environmental factors.”

Being immersed in a different environment brought a new level of perspective highlighting how factors such as education, access to food, cultural practices and broader social conditions all influence health outcomes.

“One of the most valuable aspects of the NCP experience was the opportunity to engage with local communities and health professionals. Observing how health education is delivered in these settings helped me better appreciate the role of communication, cultural understanding, and adaptability in health practice. As someone studying nutritional medicine, it emphasised that effective health interventions must be tailored to the realities of the population taking into account food availability, cultural food practices, and economic constraints.”

Spending time in Nepal also encouraged Maryam to think more deeply about how health systems differ around the world and what that means in practice.

“It challenged me to think critically about how health systems function differently around the world and how knowledge gained in Australia can be adapted to support communities in other contexts.”

This experience continues to influence how Maryam approaches her studies, strengthening her interest in public health nutrition and community-based education.

More than anything, it gave her a clearer sense of direction and a deeper understanding of the kind of impact she hopes to have.

“Now, as an NCP alumni, I recognise how valuable programs like this are for students. The experience not only enhanced my academic understanding but also developed important personal and professional skills, including cultural competence, adaptability, and global awareness. These are qualities that are essential for future health professionals working in increasingly diverse communities.”

For Maryam, the experience continues to shape how she sees her future in health grounded in a deeper understanding of people, culture and community. Programs like the New Colombo Plan leave a lasting impact on students, influencing not just what they learn but how they carry that learning forward into their careers.

Maryam Mardani (Bachelor of Health Science in Clinical Nutrition) completed the New Colombo Plan Mobility project to Nepal in December 2024. She completed her Bachelor of Health Science in Clinical Nutrition at Torrens University in 2025.

Are you ready to broaden your horizons and embrace new experiences? Keep your eye on Student Hub for New Colombo Plan initiatives updates and other study abroad experiences.