Conclusion

Identifying and reframing a challenge is a process that goes from simple to complex through teamwork and cooperation. Before participating in the Samoa project, climate change was abstract to me. What I know is climate change is a global warming crisis. After coming to Samoa in person, I have a more concrete understanding and experience. I learned a lot of key intercultural experiences of the Monash GIG program during those two weeks.

Katy Owens, GIG staff, USP mentors, and Group 5 after finishing "Amazing Race"game

Field visits provide hands-on experience that complements classroom learning, allowing me to witness cultural practice firsthand and engage with local communities. The most impressive and enjoyable part is that I planted small saplings on the land of the South Pacific with my group, hoping they could grow into towering trees as soon as possible to offset our carbon footprint, and make the earth more beautiful.

Mathew Wise, Group 4 plantation walk and ridge to reef project

What I believed were the most personally meaningful and relevant aspects of the experience were the agricultural assistance and cooperation between countries. During the field trip in the second week, our group visited CSATAP (China Samoa Agriculture and Technological Aid Project). The presenter said since 2010, 40 Chinese experts have come to Samoa to start agricultural assistance, mainly in infrastructure construction and agricultural technology. [7] This project enhanced the production capacity and technology of vegetables and fruits in Samoa. It also reflects the cooperation and help between countries, which makes me feel warm. It was amazing to see the Chinese language and Chinese people in a foreign country.

SCATAP project (Nuu Crops Division)

In conclusion, the GIG experience has positively impacted my personal and professional development. My greatest challenge and my most significant achievement during this journey is working with people from different cultures, I have improved cross-cultural awareness and overcome some challenges. [8] This will be of great help to my future study and career development. I look forward to implementing these learnings and contributing to promoting sustainable development and intercultural understanding in Samoa or other global challenges.

Siapo painting workshop at USP fale

6. Samoa Recycling and Waste Management Association. “About SRWMA,” published 2024, https://www.srwma.ws/.

7. Government of Samoa. “Handover of the Samoa-China Agricultural Technical Aid Project (SCATAP)Phase V Affiliated Civil Works,” published December 9, 2022, https://www.samoagovt.ws/2022/12/handover-of-the-samoa-china-agricultural-technical-aid-project-scatapphase-v-affiliated-civil-works/.

8. Geertz Clifford, The Interpretation of Cultures. New York: Basic Books, 1973.