Immerse yourself in India's colourful culture and breath-taking scenery, whilst applying knowledge from your studies to a real-life project that will have a sustainable impact.
You will have the unique opportunity to engage with local community members to understand the issues they face and work on an engineering based solution. You will also engage local students in STEM related workshops to promote critical thinking and innovation.
In the final week of your program you will spend six days trekking to the Indrahaar pass, which offers spectacular views of the Indian plains to the south, and the snow capped Pir Panjal Range to the north. You will also spend a day exploring McLeod Ganj including a visit to the Dalai Lama Temple.
This once in a lifetime program is the perfect opportunity to;
- Experience a remarkable new culture!
- Gain credit toward your course (ENG401 or ENG406).
- Develop transferrable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, leadership, and adaptability.
Program Summary
Where: Palampur, India
Provider: Challenges Abroad
When: November 16 – 6 December, 2024
Costs: AUD $5,350 approximately (offset by AUD $3,000 from NCP if eligible)
UniSC course: ENG401 or ENG406
Teaching period: Session 7, 2024 (Pre-Semester 1, 2025)
Program leader: Dr Adrian McCallum - Senior Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering
As this tour is supported by New Colombo Plan (NCP) funding, you should be aware of the NCP Mobility Grant criteria. To be eligible you:
a) must be an Australian citizen
b) may not be a citizen or permanent resident of a host location in which they will undertake a mobility project
c) are enrolled in a UniSC onshore- campus and undertaking a bachelor degree or bachelor honours degree
d) will receive credit/count towards the course requirements for the student's bachelor degree, bachelor honours degree (via ENG401 or ENG406)
e) meet the age requirements 18 and 28 years* inclusive at the commencement of the Mobility Project.
*Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students do not need to be aged between 18 and 28
As referenced above, the associated course of enrolment relative to this program is ENG401 or ENG406. You will need to ensure that you are eligible and have capacity to enrol in one of these courses as part of your UniSC degree.
Activities may include:
- Examination of local Engineering infrastructure,
- Facilitation of STEM workshops at local school,
- Implementation of rainwater harvesting system at local school, and
- Concluding ~1 week trek examining local physical environment.
- Flights: $1500^ (approx)
- Program fee: $3550 (approx)
- Accommodation: Included
- Meals: Included
- Activities: Included
- Visa: $100
- Miscellaneous: $200
Final Total: $5,350 approximately (offset by $3,000 from NCP if eligible)
Students eligible for the NCP Mobility Grant will receive funding support towards the program cost.
What is not included in the costings?
- Any required vaccinations
- Passport (students arrange their own)
- Clothing
- Incidentals
- Non-programmed activities
- Shopping/souvenirs
- Travel medication
- Tuition fee for associated course of enrolment (e.g. ENG401)
^ A return flight to your destination will be organised by Program leaders and booked through UniSC's corporate travel provider FCM. This cost is indicative and will be confirmed at the point of booking.
Students on UniSC activity are covered by the UniSC Insurance policy. To read through the policy, including inclusions and exclusions, refer to the Insurance Information for Students.
What next?
Step 1: After submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) the academic will review submissions and make final selections.
After the EOI deadline passes and if you are selected to proceed, they will send your details to the Global Mobility team. The Global Mobility team will provide you with a range of forms to complete in International SONIA.
- SONIA – is the system we use to manage student placement activities at UniSC.
If there are vaccination requirements, or other requirements, you need to meet to participate in the course (such as a blue card, or evidence of COVID vaccinations for entry to a country) we will ask you to provide evidence that you meet these requirements.
Step 2: Various teams at UniSC assess your responses and determine you're eligibility to enrol in the associated course. You will be advised if you have been successful in receiving a place on the Short-Term Mobility Program by being allocated to the placement in SONIA International. You will be enrolled in the associated course on USC Central.
Step 3: You will be advised if you have been successful in receiving an NCP Mobility Grant (where available).
Step 4: You will register with any Third-Party Provider involved in the delivery of the program (if applicable).
Step 5: UniSC will send you details regarding flight costs associated with your program and your flights will be booked via UniSC Travel. You will be required to pay UniSC for the cost of the flight.
Step 6: Attend pre-departure sessions and apply for OS-HELP
Alongside this, you will be provided additional information specific to the program by the academic involved in the delivery of the Short-Term Mobility Program.
Important dates
22 April 2024, 2pm - Information Session via Zoom
15 August 2024 - Expression of Interest closes
16 November - 6 December 2024 - program dates
More information
Expressions of Interest
If you are interested in joining this program please submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) by 1 August 2024 below.
Funding
New Colombo Plan funding.
This program has received New Colombo Plan (NCP) Mobility program funding, awarded by the Australian government. Eligible students will receive an offer for a $3000AUD grant to support their participation in the program.
If you submit a successful Expression of Interest you will be invited to complete an NCP Eligibility form. You can review the general eligibility criteria here, however please note the criteria may vary depending on the project and eligibility will be assessed on the point of receiving a completed NCP Eligibility form.
OS HELP
Overseas Student HELP loans (OS-HELP) are provided by the Commonwealth government to eligible HECS-HELP students undertaking various international experiences for credit. Eligible students can borrow up to $9,504 AUD for study in Asia. Please visit the OS-Help website to read the eligibility criteria and further information.
