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Study Tours

"I have gained a deeper understanding of internationalism and the need to skill our nation for the demands of a future workplace."

Gary Campbell, participant China study tour

Asia Education Foundation is offering scholarships (up to $3,000) and full-fee positions available for practising teachers to undertake professional learning in Asia.

Join a fully accompanied group of educators to explore the region and

Develop intercultural knowledge
Internationalise your curriculum
Increase your knowledge and understanding of the region
Expand your curriculum leadership capabilities
Build international partnerships

These international professional learning programs can be tax deductible!

Study Tours on offer		About the program
Scholarships		Curriculum Outcomes
What does a Study Tour include?		Frequently Asked Questions
Why participate?		Supporters
Other Programs managed by the AEF		Contact

Study Tours on offer

Australian educators have the opportunity to enhance their understanding of contemporary Asia, its cultures, history, traditions and education through in-country professional learning programs.

Programs in 2008 include: (Open to all educators and their partners) Registrations close FRIDAY 15 AUGUST 2008 (for September/October programs)

China Study Tour - $2,999*
Group 1 (21 September to 4 October 2008)
Group 2 (28 September to 11 October 2008)

Experience a privileged insider's view of China at this historic and unparalleled period of development. Explore the futuristic mega-city of Shanghai and gain an understanding of China in the 21st century. Learn about China's education system through briefings and teaching experiences in primary and secondary schools. Exchange ideas and pedagogical practices with Chinese colleagues.. From Shanghai, travel north to Xi'an and the famous Terracotta Warriors. Experience China's most popular form of travel with an overnight sleeper train to Beijing. Climb the Great Wall, explore the Forbidden City, visit the exquisite Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace.

Korea Study Tour (21 September to 3 October 2008) - $2,599* [pdf, 256kb, 4pages]

A unique insight into one of Asia's tigers and one of the most Internet connected countries in the world. Be captivated by the energy of Seoul, the majestic Han River, the North Korean border, ancient palaces, museums, gardens, Buddhist temples and Confucian schools. Spend a few days staying with a Korean teacher, visit their school and explore opportunities for on-going exchange. Expand your horizons by visiting one of Australia's largest trading partners.

Programs in 2009 include: Registrations close FRIDAY 24 OCTOBER 2008

China Study Tour (4 - 20 January 2009) - $3,499* [pdf, 280kb, 4pages]

Experience a privileged insider's view of China at this historic and unparalleled period of development. Explore the beautiful valley bordering Tibet, Lijiang - home to the Naxi people, one of the few matriarchal societies left in the world. Experience the futuristic mega-city of Shanghai and gain an understanding of China in the 21st century. Learn about China's education system through briefings and teaching experiences in primary and secondary schools. Exchange ideas and pedagogical practices with Chinese colleagues. From Shanghai, travel north to Xi'an and the famous Terracotta Warriors. Experience China's most popular form of travel with an overnight sleeper train to Beijing. Climb the Great Wall, explore the Forbidden City, visit the exquisite Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace.

India Study Tour (11-24 January 2009) - $2,599* [pdf, 256kb, 4pages]
Jaipur pre-tour (7-10 January 2009) - $1,199*

Discover the tapestry that is India through its multi-cultural, multi-faith, diverse society. Gain professional and personal insights into India - a country that has the largest middle class population in the world is the world's largest democracy. Develop lifelong friendships and learn about Indian education first-hand through a unique opportunity to stay with an Indian teacher, their family and school. Participants will be provided with a range of perspectives on this most diverse country.

Vietnam Study Tour (4-16 January 2009) - $2,499* [pdf, 304kb, 5pages]
Cambodia Extension (16-21 January 2009) - $1,199*

Start in the cultural and historical city of Hanoi for 3 days of teaching in our partner Vietnamese schools. Gain an understanding of Vietnam's culture and society through personal interactions with local teachers and students. Cruise through the amazing Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the tiny quaint streets of Hoi An, one of Vietnam's most beautiful towns. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and learn more about one of the most horrific wars in this region. Embark on a tour through the Mekong Delta, one of the great rivers of the world. For those eager to explore further, travel to Cambodia with opportunities to visit the capitals of the ancient kingdoms of Angkor Wat.

*Price includes land cost only. Airfares range from $1,600 to $2,000 depending on port of departure.

Registration

The study tours are open to all educators, their partner/friend and children over 16 years. There may be opportunities for subsidised positions for study tours for educators in Australian schools. Contact your education jurisdiction or the Studies of Asia Advisor in your State or Territory.

Download registration form for educators [PDF, 176kb, 2 pages].

For information on the history of the AEF's in-country professional learning programmes, Visit the Teacher In-Country Fellowships to Asia (TICFA) website.

To view the PDF files, you must have the appropriate plug-in - Acrobat Reader.

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Scholarships

Subsidised places on our programs often become available through state and territory education sectors and bilateral government agencies. These places are usually selected through the AEF's state advisers. Please contact the Manager of Study Tours and Exchanges for scholarships/subsidised places currently on offer.

There are currently subsidised places available on the India Study Tour. Subsidised positions for the January 2009 programs will be announced mid-year.

What does a study tour include?

The programs are designed to suit your budget and schedule. They provide flexibility to organise your own airfare so that extra time can be spent in country, and include the option to bring a partner, colleague or friend to share the experience.
Each study tour includes:

Experienced leaders
3 to 4 star accommodation
in-country transport and most meals
visits to cultural sites and organisations
teaching experience in local schools and curriculum exchange
homestay with local families (Korea and India only)
expert speakers
pre-departure briefing materials and readings
post-program curriculum support
networking opportunities at home and in-country

Why participate?

Expand your horizons and travel with like-minded educators to Asia on a dynamic and rich professional learning program.

Each study tour is tailored to provide you with an experience of contemporary life and traditional culture. Meet local educators and students, and immerse yourself in the culture as you tour the country.

Your first hand experience will professionally empower you to take the lead in furthering:

studies of Asia across your curriculum
international programs and studies
values education
intercultural understanding and tolerance

Access Asia Study Tours focus on contemporary life and traditional culture to support curriculum development in the Arts, studies of society and environment, English, Languages, Technology, Health and more. Explore what it means to be a regional and global citizen. Your students will be fascinated by your experience.

This professional learning program supports the National Statement on Engaging Young Australians with Asia in Australian Schools.

Other programs managed by the Asia Education Foundation

(NB These programs are generally offered through a selection process, please contact studytours@asialink.unimelb.edu.au for more information)

Korean Studies Workshop is sponsored by the Korea Foundation in Korea. This prestigious 16 day program conducted in Korea and is attended by Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and American educators. It is open to all secondary educators and those educators with an influence over curriculum development.

About the program

Since the programs inception in 1993, over 1600 educators have participated in Access Asia Study Tours. These programs offer unique professional learning experiences focussing on education, contemporary life, traditional culture and society to support curriculum development in a range of learning areas and contexts.

The AEF works in partnership with education authorities, professional associations, universities, government agencies and funding bodies to implement the Access Asia Study Tours.

Access Asia Study Tours may be tax deductible.

Curriculum Outcomes

"I catch a glimpse of an elderly Chinese woman by the roadside. She has a pile of oranges stacked neatly for selling. On second glance, I notice she is speaking into a mobile phone. I realise this is typical of China in the new millennium. My curriculum post-China will reflect what China is today."
WA teacher on AEF study programme to China, January 2004

A wide range of curriculum projects, curriculum resources, professional learning programmes and school and professional exchanges have resulted in a number of curriculum outcomes. Some examples of past participants developments are:

Kids Eyes on Asia (focus on Vietnam) is a great website for primary teachers who want to teach about Vietnam. Compiled by Maggie Catterall, teacher librarian at St Monica's Primary School, VIC

Focus on India is a website for primary arts teachers incorporating traditional Indian art methods in the classroom. Compiled by Pauline O'Brien, Visual Arts teachers are Beaconsfield Primary School, WA

Supporters

The Asia Education Foundation works in association with and is supported by the following organisations for the implementation of the Access Asia Study Tours: