The Yegiora Files

In an ever-changing world, understanding the intricate interplay of culture, politics, development, and international relations has never been more critical—especially for a country as diverse as PNG. This is where our multidisciplinary Area Studies Program steps in, offering a specialized focus on PNG's unique challenges and opportunities. With its roots in the nation's Vision 2050 Strategic Plan and the university's Third Decade Strategic Master Plan, this program equips graduates to address the pressing needs of today while preparing for the uncertainties of tomorrow. Program Overview and Aims At its core, the program delves into four key disciplines—culture studies, political studies, community development, and international relations. These disciplines are interwoven to provide students with a holistic understanding of PNG’s societal fabric and its interactions on both domestic and international fronts. PNG is home to an incredible mosaic of indigenous peoples, each wi...

In the ever-evolving field of international studies, staying ahead of global trends and ensuring academic excellence requires adaptability, critical reflection, and the willingness to embrace change. Our program at Divine Word University has undergone a transformative redesign, incorporating valuable feedback from external experts in 2022 and benchmarking against leading international universities. The result is a more robust, contextual, and forward-looking program, aligned with global standards and tailored to the unique needs of PNG and the Pacific region. Listening to Expert Voices: External Review and Feedback Two external overseas experts conducted an in-depth review of our program in 2022, offering insights that have profoundly shaped its evolution. Their critiques centered on three key areas: decolonization, staff development, and program structure. The first reviewer highlighted the importance of decolonizing the program—moving away from a Western-centric academic framework to...

The area studies program offered by the Department of PNG and International Studies at Divine Word University (DWU) is a unique and groundbreaking initiative, not only within PNG but globally. It is the only program focusing specifically on PNG and its regional dynamics, equipping graduates with essential knowledge and skills that are highly relevant to both local and international contexts. However, while the program’s distinctiveness is clear, rigorous market research to assess its demand has yet to be conducted. This research is a priority for the department and is expected to guide future reviews, ensuring the program meets the evolving needs of stakeholders. Despite the absence of formal market analysis, the program’s success in preparing graduates for diverse career pathways is evident. Many graduates have secured positions in both public and private sectors, reflecting the versatility of the program’s offerings. In the private sector, graduates have joined the Graduate Developme...