Exciting India learning experience on offer

Griffith students are invited to apply for a study trip to India.
Griffith students are invited to apply for a study trip to India.

Students with an interest in tourism and/or community development at Griffith could find themselves on a field study trip to India during Trimester 3.

Associate Professor Alexandra Coghlan, Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management,is seeking 12 students to take part in a three-week intensive course as part of the Federal Government’s New Colombo Plan initiative.

Participating students will spend time at the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun, Jim Corbett National Park in Ramnagar, Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh and Jabarkhet Nature Reserve in Mussoorie.

The field trip, from November 22 to December 11, will also incorporate homestays at the different locations students visit.

“Working alongside local tourism experts, our students will learn what it takes to successfully manage rural tourism so it benefits local communities and the environment,” Associate Professor Coghlan said.

“Within this context, the importance of giving tourists an experience to remember will also be a key factor students will consider.

Prepare to be astonished

“The field trip is designed to provide the students with a remarkable learning experience. They can expect to be astonished and inspired, but also challenged and, at times, to be uncomfortable.”

While New Colombo Plan government funding will cover most of the travel expenses for the course, a number of eligibility criteria apply.

The New Colombo Plan initiative aims to increase knowledge of the Indo Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region.

The New Colombo Plan Mobility Program provides funding for Australian undergraduate students to participate in semester-based or short-term study at 40 host locations across the Indo-Pacific region.

For further details, email Associate Professor Coghlan on [email protected]