Global programs
If you’re thinking of taking up accommodation in one of our student residences, one of the great advantages is the opportunity to travel overseas on structured, short term study and community outreach programs. Read on to find out how you can have your own experience of a lifetime.
We’ve all heard the slogans, but the reality is that travelling overseas during your university undergraduate years is difficult. Where to go? How long to stay? When to set off? Whom to travel with? How to pay? Sometimes the problems seem to outweigh the potential benefits and you end up staying put.
"Travel broadens the mind".
"We live in a global economy".
While the university encourages all students to enjoy the benefits of international education, it has been very difficult for students to take up opportunities. For one thing, it is expensive. For another, study abroad programs that suit your course are difficult to find and very restricted in number. Last but not least, it can be scary venturing to a new country.
In 2006, the Division of Residential Services launched several initiatives to make it easier, cheaper, more rewarding and more feasible than ever before to travel overseas. While continuing to encourage and support students to take up existing university pathways overseas, we developed a new kind of overseas opportunity and one that has proved undoubtedly popular with our residents.
In 2008, two years on, the opportunities to travel abroad are even greater. We’ve added more destinations allowing more students to travel abroad. Students have a choice of travel to destinations as exotic and varied as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Kenya, Nepal, China, India and Hong Kong in July and December holiday breaks.
"I feel more accepting and less judgemental of other cultures and the way people live. Great to meet and mix with a variety of other people."
Thailand program participant
Supported by partner universities in each destination, tours will include interaction with local students, community and outreach volunteer work, and exclusive opportunities to experience the lifestyle and cultures of these countries usually unavailable in standard tourist packages.
"An amazing journey with the opportunity to experience a life and culture so different from our own and to do it in a safe and organised way with great friends!"
Vietnam program participant
The format of the tours (with the exception of the Hong Kong and China visits, both exchange programs) are as follows:
- Groups consist of up to 12 selected undergraduates.
- Each group led by a student ‘Coordinator’ familiar with the program and the destination, and responsible for day-to-day operations and schedules.
- Each tour developed in cooperation or partnership with in-country universities, whose contributions include providing hospitality, travel support, accommodation, seminars, and opportunities for LTU students to meet local students.
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All participants contribute to the program by (i) fund-raising for donations to appropriate development projects in the host country, (ii) engage in coaching and English language conversations fairs with local students, and (iii) serve as ‘ambassadors’ for the college and the university. - All tours included community and outreach work, ranging from participation in development programs and visiting NGOs to fund-raising for targeted projects.
- All participants on the tours receive detailed pre-departure briefings and are encouraged to learn the basics of the language of the host country (via the college’s language learning resources).
"This program hasn’t just taught me about what it is like to be from Hong Kong; it has helped shape my idea about what it is to be an Australian."
Hong Kong program participant
Thus far, the enthusiasm for ‘Go Global’ from our student body has been overwhelming. In 2006 and 2007, well over 200 residents registered their interest in travelling abroad on one or more of the trips on offer, and over 120 participated in programs. In 2008, this number will undoubtedly increase and we look forward to a new group of residents joining us on our programs abroad.
"A busy fun-filled exchange that gave us the opportunity to explore new places and build strong friendships."
Cambodia program participant
More information will be available to all students in residence in the second week of first semester, 2008.
