Twenty-five college students celebrated completing a University-level Asian Studies course this weekend (Sunday 16 June) with an Indonesian feast on campus.
The UTAS College Program allows students enrolled in select TCE subjects to extend what they learn at college with classes conducted by UTAS academics on campus.
This is the fourth year that the University's Asian Studies staff has taught students enrolled in the TCE subject Australia in the Asia Pacific.
Tasmania is the only state in Australia to give students a chance to study the Asia Pacific region in their year 11 and 12 studies and has done so for more than 25 years.
In the University unit called Asia: Enduring Traditions students learn about religions, customs and cultures in Asia but are also taught to take a critical view of some recent trends in tourism.
Participating students are from Rosny, Guilford Young (Glenorchy), Guilford Young (Hobart) and Claremont colleges.
Dr Kaz Ross, Asian Studies coordinator at the University of Tasmania, said the program especially welcomes students who may not have considered going on to university.
"The Asian Studies UTAS College Program aims to provide a supportive introduction to the university while extending the students' knowledge of Asia and passing on information and skills that are relevant to students' lives now."
Dr Ross said the program has been enthusiastically supported by college teachers, who have found the material stimulating and challenging, as well as useful for helping them teach in their own classrooms.
"We are very fortunate in have this unique opportunity in Tasmania of working with a group of committed college teachers who value engagement with Asia," said Dr Ross.
About the UTAS College Program.
Image: (left to right) Guildford Young students Ronan Sweeney-Meyer, 17, Lewis Constable, 17, and Campbell Macdonald, 17, enjoy the Indonesian fare
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