10 Years of Customised Programming in Asia
Last year marked a decade of Customised Programming at CISaustralia. Over the past 11 years, our customised programs have offered students invaluable academic and cultural experiences, deepening their understanding of various disciplines and fostering both intercultural and global awareness. To celebrate this milestone, we reflect on our most impactful programs, showcasing their unique learning outcomes and the rich cultural exchanges they facilitated.
Cambodia: Child Protection as a Global Justice Issue
Running for many years since 2017, QUT’s Cambodia program focuses on the critical issue of child protection within the broader context of global justice. Spanning 2 weeks, this customised program provides students with an opportunity to analyse criminal justice systems and governance, particularly in relation to the rule of law and its role in economic and social development. The program’s academic focus is complemented by an emphasis on developing intercultural capabilities through interactions with local communities, NGOs and cultural activities.
The program has been an eye-opener for students, offering them a chance to engage with local NGOs like Grace House, Friends International, and the Child Protection Unit. A key highlight was a day tour of Phnom Penh, which included visits to the S-21 Prison and Choeung Ek Killing Fields, as well as an exploration of the ancient Angkor Wat temples and the Kompong Floating Village. CISaustralia is proud of this partnership with QUT on this program and the valuable experiences it has brought to law and justice students over the years. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the experience as engaging, valuable, and culturally enlightening.
Japan: Games and Animation Study Tour
In 2019, we offered a four-week customised program in Japan, highlighting the country’s world-renowned contributions to animation, gaming, and pop culture. The program was gaining significant traction before being interrupted by the onset of COVID-19. This program, run in conjunction with Swinburne University, provided students with the opportunity to learn about different anime and design techniques through a combination of academic, industry, and cultural experiences.
Some of the unique features of this tour were visits to iconic sites like the Ghibli Museum, the Robot Restaurant, and the Tokyo College of Anime. Students also had the chance to meet and learn from local game and animation designers at Koikoto University. The program culminated in a creative project where students developed a visual diary, game, animation, illustration, or narrative based on their experiences. Participants described the program as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in Japan’s vibrant creative industries. In addition to customised programming, our Japanese July Language and Study Program (2-6 weeks), which also offers a “ready-to-go” academic model, covering Japanese anime, culture, business, history and language (3 levels).
Philippines: Nursing Across Lifespan and Contexts
Earlier this year, we had the privilege of coordinating a two-week customised program in the Philippines in partnership with the University of Newcastle, focusing on nursing and midwifery. This program offered students hands-on experience through placements by working with a host university. In conjunction with the University of San Carlos, students spent time in hospitals and communities, deepening their understanding of midwifery and other healthcare practices in a different cultural setting. A particularly unique aspect of the tour was the opportunity for students to witness a birth, providing them with an unforgettable insight into the local health system.
The immersive nature of this program allowed students to develop a nuanced understanding of how cultural factors influence healthcare. Participants also enjoyed cultural activities such as a cooking class on the beach and a visit to a nearby island, adding to the program’s cultural richness. Many students described the experience as eye-opening, noting the stark differences in health standards between the Philippines and their home country.
Korea: Vibrant Visions – Creative Communication and Design
Earlier this year, our two-week program in South Korea, developed in collaboration with the University of Canberra, offered students an immersive experience in creative communication and design. Under the guidance of esteemed academics, students applied their disciplinary knowledge in a professional environment, honing their skills in self-management, teamwork, and intercultural communication.
Highlights of this program included an engaging cooking class, complete with a tour of local markets, and a visit to TBWA, where students gained invaluable insights into the creative industry. The program fostered a collaborative and inclusive learning environment, with students reflecting on their professional growth throughout the experience. Feedback from participants highlighted the program’s enriching and unforgettable nature, with many praising the balance of academic and cultural activities.
Malaysia: Indigenous Knowledges Study Tour
In 2022 and 2024, we had the privilege of coordinating the Indigenous Knowledges Study Tour in Malaysia for the University of Adelaide. This two-week tour aimed to broaden students’ understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures, worldviews and methodologies of transferring knowledge. During the tour, students engaged in ecological knowledge and land management in Indigenous Malaysia and learnt about various Indigenous perspectives on health, sustainability and land rights.
The program included a panel discussion at the University of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, followed by a visit to Pekan, where students engaged with the Orang Asli community. Fieldwork with Orang Asli youth and fire rangers provided students with practical insights into fire management, carbon footprints, and sustainable land practices. A standout moment of the tour was a visit to the Pahang Peatland Forest, where students learnt about the forest’s ecological diversity and its cultural significance. Feedback from participants is always overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the program as both educational and culturally appropriate.
China: Financial and Market Intelligence in Asia
In 2018, we organised a two-week program in Shanghai in partnership with Griffith University, focusing on financial and market intelligence in Asia. Students attended lectures and participated in business visits, including a memorable day at Jiao Tong University. The program also involved a finance assessment where students conducted a performance review of a corporation, providing them with practical, real-world experience.
Engagements with local traditions were an integral part of the program, helping students understand the complexities of doing business in China. Key experiences included visits to Rio Tinto, the Australian Chamber of Commerce, and NAB, as well as a cooking class that offered a taste of local cuisine. Participants appreciated the balance of academic rigor and cultural immersion, with many finding the experience both challenging and rewarding.
Sri Lanka: Sustainability – Past, Present & Future
In 2023, we partnered with La Trobe University’s Faculty of Archaeology and History to deliver a two-week customised program in Sri Lanka focused on sustainability. The program took students on an exploration of key Sri Lankan sites, offering them a unique archaeological perspective on sustainability.
A highlight of the tour was a visit to the Sigiriya Lion Rock, an ancient rock fortress that stands nearly 200 metres high. Other memorable experiences included a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, the tea plains, and a lunch in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. The program provided students with an in-depth understanding of Sri Lanka’s historical and contemporary approaches to sustainability, leaving a lasting impact on their academic and professional development.
Malaysia/Singapore: Marcom – An Asian Perspective
Since 2019, the Marcom program, developed in collaboration with the University of Canberra, offers students a deep dive into marketing, communications, and public relations within the dynamic landscapes of Malaysia and Singapore. Spanning two weeks, this customized program has gained popularity due to its rich blend of academic study and industry engagement, providing students with invaluable experiences in both fields.
Students engaged with industry partners, participated in cultural activities, and explored the vibrant cultures of both countries. A standout experience was the visit to Chinatown’s Hawker Food Cultural Heritage, which provided a deep dive into local traditions and culinary practices. Participants also appreciated the opportunity to network with industry professionals and like-minded students from UITM, enhancing their professional and cultural understanding.
Vietnam: Textiles in Vietnam
The Vietnam Textiles customised tour, conducted in collaboration with Flinders University, provided Fashion and Textiles students with an immersive experience in the world of handcrafted textiles. Spanning two weeks, this program took students from the bustling fabric markets of Hanoi to the traditional weaving villages in the Da Bac mountainous area, offering a comprehensive exploration of Vietnam’s rich textile heritage.
In addition to hands-on learning, the program included visits to silk villages and meetings with local textile experts. A highlight was the visit to Tan Chau village, famous for its black silk, where students learned about traditional dyeing and weaving techniques. This program not only enhanced students’ understanding of Vietnamese textiles but also fostered a deeper appreciation of the cultural significance behind these crafts.
China: Art and Design in Ancient and Contemporary China
In 2023, the Art and Design customised tour, conducted in collaboration with Griffith University, offered students a unique opportunity to explore China’s artistic landscape. This immersive program, spanning two weeks, combined academic study with cultural exploration, taking participants from the dynamic Shanghai Art 21 Art Fair to the historic Shandong Art Museum. Students engaged in a workshop at Shandong University of Art and Design, where they gained hands-on experience in various artistic techniques.
The program’s distinctive blend of ancient and contemporary art was further emphasised by visits to iconic sites such as the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. This tour not only deepened students’ understanding of Chinese art but also fostered a greater appreciation of the cultural and historical context in which these artworks were created. Participants described the experience as engaging, high-quality, and educational, with the unique combination of academic rigor and cultural immersion standing out as a key strength of the program.
Reflecting on a Decade of Impact
While this is a small snap shot of the programs we have hosted in Asia and the Pacific in the past 10+ years, we hope it provides valuable insights into the breadth of opportunities CISaustralia has supported and can provide future students – and is a way of generating ideas for academics to consider moving into 2025. Each customised program is meticulously designed to offer both academic benefits and cultural immersion for students. We are grateful to our academic partners and the many local communities and professionals who have made these programs possible, and we look forward to continuing to deliver meaningful and impactful customised program in the years to come.
