University of Tasmania, Australia

University’s extensive commitment to engagement with Asia to be enhanced by 12 project grants

The University has been awarded $297,000 in scholarships under the new AsiaBound Scholarship scheme, announced on Friday 5th July by the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd.

$235,000 (nearly 80%) has been awarded to a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts offering short term and semester length study experiences in Asia.

University’s extensive commitment to engagement with Asia to be enhanced by 12 project grants.

The University of Tasmania has received federal funding to send more than 100 students to study in Asia as part of their degree.Under the AsiaBound Grants Program, the Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education has offered UTAS funding for 12 project grants totalling $297,000 – enough to support around 103 students to gain experiences in either society, culture, health, business or languages in Asia.

The aim of the AsiaBound scheme is to encourage more Australian students to participate in a study experience in Asia, become Asia-literate and increase competency in Asian languages. Scholarships of $2,000 and $5,000 scholarships will be available for students undertaking short or semester-length study exchanges, and $1000 grants for preparatory Asian language study.UTAS students will be able to apply for scholarships to study in Indonesia, Japan, China, India, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Cambodia and Nepal.

Professor Peter Frappell, UTAS Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement), said the University’s considerable success in the AsiaBound program enhanced its extensive commitment to engagement with Asia.

“UTAS is committed to providing Asia-related skills and knowledge for Tasmanians. Engaging with our nearest neighbour is an essential part of our strategic plan as an international university,” Prof Frappell said.

“As part of this commitment, UTAS recently announced the establishment of the Asia Institute Tasmania in partnership with the state government. The search for an Asia Institute director has commenced.”

Dr Kaz Ross, UTAS Co-ordinator of Asian Studies, said that undertaking a placement in Asia was essential in developing and demonstrating the necessary skills related to both employment and working with Asian interests in Australia.

“UTAS students will be able to experience an Asian workplace, facilitating the development of work-ready skills within a culturally different environment and strongly encouraging students to consider seeking employment in Asia.“Students who have not studied an Asian language will also have an opportunity to develop Asia-related skills and experience,” she said.

Assoc Prof Pam Allen - Indonesian program:
ACICIS and RUILI
$64,500
5 x $5,000 semester long scholarships with 5 x $1,000 language subsidies
5 x $2,000 short term scholarships with 5 x $1,000 language subsidies
2 x $1,500 program facilitation

Dr Kaz Ross – Asian Studies
Professional Placement in Asia: Cambodia, India, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines
$64,500
30 x $2,000 short term scholarships
3 x $1,500 program facilitation

Dr Barbara Hartley - Japanese Program
In-Japan Fukuoka Summer school
$53,000
10 x $2,000 short term scholarships with 10 x $1,000 language subsidies
1 x $1,500 program facilitation

Dr Jayde Roberts  - Chinese program
Chinese in-country language and culture program
$31,500
10 x $2,000 short term scholarships with 10 x $1,000 language subsidies
1 x $1,500 program facilitation

Dr Craig Norris – Journalism (Japan)
Regional Soft power in Asia
$21,500
10 x $2,000 short term scholarships
1 x $1,500 program facilitation