Students learning overseas

Students head overseas for learning

Whilst many international students enjoy the benefits of studying in Australia, many Victorian students have not been able to have the reverse experience and study in another country whilst still at school. For 140 lucky student, this will soon change as they head overseas on the trip of a lifetime courtesy of the Victorian Government.

On 4 March 2011, Education Minister Martin Dixon farewelled the students and 29 teachers who will go to China, India, France or Malaysia. Students will spend about three weeks away, including two weeks living with a local family and attending a local school.

Mr Dixon said the benefits of experiencing another culture and making new friends internationally, would last a lifetime.

“Spending time in another country will allow these students to gain respect for cultural diversity, improve their knowledge, stimulate their curiosity about the world and improve their second language skills,” Mr Dixon said.

“I congratulate every student that was selected and wish them well on their travels.”

Mr Dixon said young Victorians today needed to be able to relate and communicate across cultures.

“Bringing students into direct contact with other languages and cultures is a part of this promise.”

The overseas learning experience was open to students who had never been overseas before. Students had to get through a gruelling interview process and demonstrate how they would benefit from the trip, to be selected.

About 25 students from each of six regions were chosen to take part, with funding of up to $800,000 covering almost all their expenses.Students have  already commenced projects on areas such as language, environmental sustainability, cultural awareness and development of leadership skills in the lead up to their trip.  They will continue their research whilst away.  Once they return they will present their findings to a wide range of audiences in the community.

Twenty- five students from Colac Secondary College are visiting Malaysia and principal Simon Dewar said the feeling around the school had become “electric” as the trip got nearer.

“Everyone is really excited, not only the kids but their families as well... they are calling the school every second day with questions,” Mr Dewar said.

“This trip will give students first-hand experience of another language and culture and open up their eyes to the world. It will also help them realise that travelling, especially to parts of Asia, is within their reach.”

Schools taking part in the program are:

Southern Metropolitan Region (travelling to France)

• Hampton Park Secondary College
• McKinnon Secondary College
• Lyndale Secondary College
• Dandenong High School
• Mordialloc College

Gippsland Region (travelling to China)

• Bairnsdale Secondary College

Barwon South West Region (travelling to Malaysia)

• Colac Secondary College

Grampians Region (travelling to India)

• Beaufort Secondary College
• Sebastopol College

Hume Region (country to be confirmed)

• Shepparton High School
• Wanganui Park Secondary College
• McGuire College
• Mooroopna Secondary College

Northern Metropolitan Region (travelling to Malaysia)

• Whittlesea Secondary College
• Bundoora Secondary College
• Reservoir District  Secondary College