UofA Schools awarded funding for programs in Indonesia and Vietnam
Three University of Adelaide Schools have been awarded over $230,000 in New Colombo Plan Mobility Program funding. This funding will aid in establishing three overseas study tours for undergraduate students in Indonesia and Vietnam. Funds will also be given directly to participating students for use on costs such as flights and program fees.
The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to broaden knowledge of the Indo Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region.
“This New Colombo Plan funding ensures that our students have a unique opportunity to develop their understanding of the Indo-Pacific region. The time spent in-country will enable the students to develop life-long friendships with the host communities” said the University of Adelaide’s Professor Jacqueline Lo, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International). “The students will have transformational experiences that will have a profound impact on how they come to see themselves as global citizens with the capacity to contribute to real change to our society, our region and the world”.
Professor Deborah Turnbull will be introducing psychology students to Indonesian culture and society, giving students a global perspective of issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. Partnering with Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia, Professor Turnbull’s study tour aims to provide students with global intelligence skills, and to increase student interest in longer exchange programs to Indonesia.
Associate Professor Phillip Visintin will be leveraging and strengthening the School of Civil, Environmental, and Mining Engineering’s strong connections in Vietnam. Partnering with Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education and the Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, this study tour will see students focusing on the complexity of infrastructure issues facing Vietnam from a civil and structural engineering perspective, and consider opportunities related to humanitarian engineering in a developing country. The study tour also aims to encourage future articulation students and provide a connection to program alumni and industry in the region.
Leanne Haller aims to expand the reach of the School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials across Vietnam to new and existing partners. This includes strengthening existing relationships with Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Hanoi University of Science and Technology, as well as formalising a new partnership with Can Tho University beyond the study tour. Students will immerse themselves in a range of activities aimed at building strong connections with the Vietnamese community including education, tourism, and industry. The cultural exchange will be extensive, covering language, customs, and culture for a life-long learning experience with Indo-Pacific partners.
The three study tours are due to take place prior to September 2023.