Media releases

A positive experience during two years of allied health treatment following an ankle restructure has led student Kaitlin White pursuing a career as an Exercise Physiologist. 

Kaitlin felt that she received such exceptional care during her treatment, that it motivated her to study a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Federation University’s Mt Helen Campus. 

Kaitlin’s studies have led her to acquiring a New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship and the opportunity to a five-month study trip to Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpa in July. 

Prior to heading to Malaysia, Kaitlin will also undertake a two-month internship with the National Youth Sports Institute (NYSI) in Singapore. This will provide a unique opportunity to learn how injury data is translated into conditioning programming to help reduce injuries and contribute to the development of young athletes. 

The NCP Scholarship Program provides scholarships to a diverse cohort of Australian university students to undertake offshore programs including study, internships, mentorships and language training for up to 19 months in eligible Indo-Pacific host locations. 

“My long-term goal in becoming an accredited Exercise Physiologist to assist, educate and improve individuals' health,” Kaitlin said. 

Kaitlin says this opportunity will push her out of her comfort zone, with a strong interest in travelling the world and exploring new cultures, she wants to experience all life has to offer. 

“I believe this opportunity will push me out of my comfort zone and especially because I have never lived on my own before let alone in another country,” she said. 

The study tour to Malaysia will also assist in expanding knowledge on Badminton and Sepak Takraw (kick-volleyball) which are popular sports in Malaysia and bring this back to Australia's sporting culture, "she said. 

“In addition, exercise sport scientists play a crucial role in giving assistance and guidance on fitness, nutrition, and general health therefore I would love to experience and learn from Malaysia's health and sport sectors,” she said. 

“I'll forever be working with a broad range of people from a variety of culture, age, gender within the exercise sport science area therefore putting my study into an international context will assist in the transition,” she said. 

In addition to this, Kaitlin is hoping to expand her career network and gain a deeper understanding of how Malaysia’s sport and health sectors run. 

Kaitlin is hoping to work with elite athletes or to work with patients in a rehabilitation centre in the future. 

Federation University offers a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport, for more information visit: https://study.federation.edu.au/course/DPX5  

Quotes attributable to Federation University Lecturer, Exercise and Sport Science, Lindy Hall 

“The opportunity for Kaitlin to study at the Universiti Malaya, along with completing work-integrated learning in Singapore, is the perfect link between theory and practice.” 

“The NCP Scholarship gives our students the unique experience of applying theory learnt both in an Australian and Malaysian health and sport context into a real-life setting.”