Griffith University has won $52,800 in the first round of the Federal Government’s New Colombo Plan to help students study abroad in Japan this semester.
The funding will provide grants for 19 Griffith students under the Plan which was launched by the Federal Government to deepen Australia’s connections with the Indo-Pacific and to promote study abroad in the region.
The Griffith programs that received funding include: one language exchange; a faculty-led study tour in architecture; community internships in film; and WIL placements in business.
“Griffith University has a long history of student mobility with partner institutions in Japan,” said Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) Professor Sarah Todd.
“In 2013, over 400 Griffith studentstravelledfor international study experiences in Asia and many were looking for internships or similar experiences.
“Our successful bid for the first tranche of New Colombo Plan funding means that we will not only be able to reinforce and reinvigorate some of those existing partnerships, but that we will also be able to increase the number of Griffith students undertaking work-integrated-learning (WIL) in Asia.
“Griffith’s long-term strategic focus on building strong relationships in Asia and equipping our graduates with appropriate skills and knowledge for the Asian century fits well with the intent of the New Colombo Plan, and its focus on providing students with greater access to internships and mentoring opportunities.
Griffith University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian O’Connor congratulated the Government on the scheme, saying it would help transform Australia’s relations in the region.
“Asia-engagement and the recognition of the emerging Asian Century are not new ideas and practices for Griffith.
“We have been successfully engaged with Asia since our foundation and this can be measured by our four decades of developing international research and learning and teaching initiatives for the benefit of students, staff and other stakeholders in the region.
“The New Colombo Plan opportunity for Griffith complements our education priorities and strengths in the Asia Pacific and the Government’s substantial investment in the region for undergraduate students will go a long way towards deepening our relationships.”
For more information about the New Colombo Plan, please visit:http://www.dfat.gov.au/new-colombo-plan