Since the programs inception in 1993, over 1500 educators have participated in Access Asia Study Tours. These programs offer unique professional learning experiences focussing on education, contemporary life, traditional culture and society to support curriculum development in a range of learning areas and contexts.

The AEF works in partnership with education authorities, professional associations, universities, government agencies and funding bodies to implement the Access Asia Study Tours.

Fees for the Access Asia Study Tours may be tax deductible.

Why participate?
Expand your horizons and travel with like-minded educators to Asia on a dynamic and rich professional learning program.

Each study tour is tailored to provide you with an experience of contemporary life and traditional culture. Meet local educators and students, and immerse yourself in the culture as you tour the country.

Your first hand experience will professionally empower you to take the lead in furthering:

• studies of Asia across your curriculum
• international programs and studies
• values education
• intercultural understanding and tolerance

Access Asia Study Tours focus on contemporary life and traditional culture to support curriculum development in the Arts, studies of society and environment, English, Languages, Technology, Health and more. Explore what it means to be a regional and global citizen. Your students will be fascinated by your experience.

This professional learning program supports the National Statement on Engaging Young Australians with Asia in Australian Schools.

Study Tours on offer
Australian educators have the opportunity to enhance their understanding of contemporary Asia, its cultures, history, traditions and education through in-country professional learning programs.

Current study tours on offer are:
(Open to all educators and their partners)

Programs in 2007 include:

China Study Tour ($3,500) - 2 to 18 January 2007
Thailand/Laos Study Tour ($3,500) - 2 to 18 January 2007
Vietnam Study Tour ($2350) - 2 to 15 January 2007
(optional extension to Cambodia visiting Angkor Wat Temple complex)

JANUARY 2007 programmes:

Registrations Close 3 November 2006

CHINA STUDY TOUR: 2 to 18 January 2007 [PDF, 4 pages, 152kb]

Experience a privileged insiders' view of China at this historic period of development. Undertake short teaching experiences in primary and secondary schools in Yunnan province and exchange ideas and practice with Chinese colleagues. Travel to villages and experience the song, dance and hospitality of ethnic minority groups. From Yunnan, fly to Xi'an to see the famous Terracotta Warriors. Travel to Beijing on an overnight sleeper train. From Beijing climb the Great Wall, explore the Forbidden City and visit the exquisite Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace.
China January Airfares [PDF, 4 pages, 248kb]

THAILAND/LAOS STUDY TOUR: 2 to 18 January 2007 [PDF, 4 pages, 140kb]

Gain an insight into two of south-east Asia's beautiful nations - Thailand and Laos. Contrast the hustle and bustle of Bangkok with the peaceful city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet with Australian representatives in the region and gain an understanding of education and Australian relations in the region. Further your understanding of Thai and Laos culture and education through personal interactions with local teachers and students. Begin a sister school relationship with a Thai school!
Thailand/Laos January Airfares [PDF, 4 pages, 248kb]

VIETNAM STUDY TOUR with optional CAMBODIA extensions:
2 -15 or 19 January 2007 [PDF, 4 pages, 156kb]

Start in the cultural and historical city of Hanoi for 3 days of teaching in local schools. Gain an understanding of Vietnam's culture and society through personal interactions with local teachers and students. Cruise through the amazing Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the tiny quaint streets of Hoi An, one of Vietnam's most beautiful towns. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and learn more about one of the most horrific wars in this region. Embark on a tour through the Mekong Delta, one of the great rivers of the world. For those eager to explore onwards, learn about Cambodia's intriguing history from the ancient temples of Angkor Wat to bustling Phnom Penh. Experience one of the great wonders of the world!
Vietnam January Airfares [PDF, 4 pages, 248kb]

Participants can book and organise their own international airfare to the destination country or can utilise group airfares held by the AEF.

Registration Form [PDF, 188KB, 2 pages]

Full color flier [PDF, 21MB, 2 pages]

To view the PDF file, you must have the appropriate plug-in - Acrobat Reader.

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Other program/s managed by the Asia Education Foundation:
(NB These programs are generally offered through a selection process, please contact studytours@asialink.unimelb.edu.au for more information)

Korean Studies Workshop is sponsored by the Korea Foundation in Korea. This prestigious 16 day program conducted in Korea and is attended by Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and American educators. It is open to all secondary educators and those educators with an influence over curriculum development.

What does the study tour include?

The programs are designed to suit your budget and schedule. They provide flexibility to organise your own airfare so that extra time can be spent in country, and include the option to bring a partner, colleague or friend to share the experience.
Each study tour includes:

• Experienced leaders
• 3 to 4 star accommodation
• in-country transport and most meals
• visits to cultural sites and organisations
• teaching experience in local schools and curriculum exchange
• homestay with local families (Korea only)
• expert speakers
• pre-departure briefing materials and readings
• post-program curriculum support
• networking opportunities at home and in-country

Curriculum Outcomes

"I catch a glimpse of an elderly Chinese woman by the roadside. She has a pile of oranges stacked neatly for selling. On second glance, I notice she is speaking into a mobile phone. I realise this is typical of China in the new millennium. My curriculum post-China will reflect what China is today."
WA teacher on AEF study program to China, January 2004

A wide range of curriculum projects, curriculum resources, professional learning programs and school and professional exchanges have resulted in a number of curriculum outcomes. Some examples of past participants developments are:

Kids Eyes on Asia (focus on Vietnam) is a great website for primary teachers who want to teach about Vietnam. Compiled by Maggie Catterall, teacher librarian at St Monica's Primary School, VIC

Focus on India is a website for primary arts teachers incorporating traditional Indian art methods in the classroom. Compiled by Pauline O'Brien, Visual Arts teachers are Beaconsfield Primary School, WA

How do I register for the Access Asia Study Tours?
The study tours are open to any Australian school educator, their partner/friend and children over 16 years. There may be opportunities for subsidised positions for study tours for educators in Australian schools. Contact your education jurisdiction or the Studies of Asia Advisor in your State or Territory.

Download registration form for educators [PDF, 188KB, 2 pages].

For information on the history of the AEF's in-country professional learning programmes, Visit the Teacher In-Country Fellowships to Asia (TICFA) website.

For further enquiries contact:

Aaron O'Shannessy
Manager, Study Tours & Exchanges
Asia Education Foundation
The University of Melbourne VIC 3010
Tel: 03 8344 4800 Fax: 03 9347 1768
Email: studytours@asialink.unimelb.edu.au

The Asia Education Foundation works in association with and is supported by the following organisations for the implementation of the Access Asia Study Tours: