Economic and Public Diplomacy Outcomes Summary findings Economic and public diplomacy outcomes Fiji Case Study alumni were able to provide some examples of cooperation or partnerships between Australia and Fiji that were developed as a result of studying in Australia. However, most active links between alumni and Australian people or organisations were informal. Key enabling factors Factors that enabled alumni to maintain or broaden networks or partnerships were: Australia Awards fellowships, which enhanced current networks and knowledge and created new ones Australian institutions, particularly when information sent was relevant to alumni. Key challenging factors Factors that challenged alumni in maintaining or broadening networks or partnerships were: the lack of contact with the Australian Government the lack of Fiji-based Australian alumni associations. Background Chapter 5 provides evidence to answer research question 2 of this Case Study: ‘How are Australia Awards contributing to economic and public diplomacy Australia’s This question relates to the following long-term outcomes of the Global outcomes?’ Strategy, namely: alumni are contributing to cooperation between Australia and partner countries; and effective, mutually advantageous partnerships between institutions and businesses in Australia and partnerships. All but one of the alumni in the Fiji Case Study have maintained some level of contact with Australia related to their scholarship. The most common type of contact was through the institution where the awardee undertook their study. This was significant given that almost all alumni studied in Australia more than 20 years ago. Some alumni maintained professional or peak body connections with Australian organisations in the years subsequent to receiving their award, but these dissipated as alumni changed roles or retired. Professional contacts were generally maintained for between four and five years post-award. Most alumni forged friendships with Australians, other international students and Fijians while in Australia, which they have maintained to the
Economic and Public Diplomacy Outcomes Summary findings Economic and public diplomacy outcomes Fiji Case Study alumni were able to provide some examples of cooperation or partnerships between Australia and Fiji that were developed as a result of studying in Australia. However, most active links between alumni and Australian people or organisations were informal. Key enabling factors Factors that enabled alumni to maintain or broaden networks or partnerships were: Australia Awards fellowships, which enhanced current networks and knowledge and created new ones Australian institutions, particularly when information sent was relevant to alumni. Key challenging factors Factors that challenged alumni in maintaining or broadening networks or partnerships were: the lack of contact with the Australian Government the lack of Fiji-based Australian alumni associations. Background Chapter 5 provides evidence to answer research question 2 of this Case Study: ‘How are Australia Awards contributing to Australia’s economic and public diplomacy outcomes?’ This question relates to the following long-term outcomes of the Global Strategy, namely: alumni are contributing to cooperation between Australia and partner countries; and effective, mutually advantageous partnerships between institutions and businesses in Australia and partnerships. All but one of the alumni in the Fiji Case Study have maintained some level of contact with Australia related to their scholarship. The most common type of contact was through the institution where the awardee undertook their study. This was significant given that almost all alumni studied in Australia more than 20 years ago. Some alumni maintained professional or peak body connections with Australian organisations in the years subsequent to receiving their award, but these dissipated as alumni changed roles or retired. Professional contacts were generally maintained for between four and five years post-award. Most alumni forged friendships with Australians, other international students and Fijians while in Australia, which they have maintained to the
fiji-alumni-case-study.docx