Traditional Knowledge and Conservation in Shangri-La, China

What will I study?

• Activities include:
  • 7-day bus tour around Tibetan rural country-side
  • Visits to traditional villages, monastery’s andlocal primary school
  • Hiking and conservation tours to BaimazueshanNational Park and Golden Monkey National Park
  • Cultural performances and language lessons

What are the requirements for this experience?

• To be eligible you must:
  • Students must enrol in Spring 2019 semester into 300855-Conservation Biology OR 102347-Anthropologies of the Everyday
  • be an Australian citizen. Applicants cannot undertake a NCP Scholarship in a host location in which they hold dual citizenship or permanent residency; or in which they have previously been a citizen or permanent resident;
  • be currently enrolled in units at Western Sydney University, and have completed at least 60 Western Sydney University credit points;
  • be undertaking a Bachelor Degree or Bachelor Honours Degree during the Scholarship period;
  • be between the ages of 18-24 years old (exceptions may apply for 25 years old +);
  • not be a previous recipient of a New Colombo Plan Scholarship;
  • have a valid passport with at least 6 months' validity at the time of travel;
  • have a reasonable level of physical fitness for hiking and activities and have a willingness to participate. Sickness may be experienced due to the altitude (please consult your GP).

How much will it cost?

• The cost will be offset by a $3000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Travel Grant. This will cover:
  • Return economy airfares to/from Sydney
  • Shared accommodation (twin/triple share)
  • Selected Tours, meals, and private tours
  • Academic support and supervision
  • WSU CorporateTravel Insurance
• Students will need to pay for:
  • Meals/beverages not included in your itinerary
  • Any personal expenses, transport or tours
  • Transport to/from Sydney Airport
  • Visa (required for travel to China)
  • Passport renewal/application (if applicable)
  • Vaccinations (if applicable - consult your GP)

What else do I need to know?

• Travel dates are still to be confirmed, subject toflight availability. The trip will be held during inter-session break (November 2019).
• Application process is highly competitive and applications are assessed on their content. Any incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
• The NCP funding will be spent on the students behalf to secure bookings. All flights,accommodation and activities will be organised by the University.
• Students are responsible to cover any additional costs of this travel program that are not covered by the NCP funding. Students must organise their own Visa.
• In case a student cancels their involvement after accepting this travel scholarship they are responsible to pay back all associated costs.
• Students must participate in a mandatory pre-departure workshop prior to the study tour.
• Students may be asked to attend post trip events and/or to give a short presentation about their travel experience.
• By accepting this travel opportunity, students indicate that they are fit and able to participate in all travel related activities.
• Students with pre-existing medical issues are strongly advised to contact their health practitioner before applying. By accepting this travel opportunity, students indicate that they are fit and able to participate in all travel related activities. Students are covered by the University’s travel insurance for activities listed on the itinerary.
• As a representative of Western Sydney University students are at all times subject to the Student Code of Conduct, Travel Policy and Misconduct Rule Policy.
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Am I eligible for the New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant?

• The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region.
• Each eligible student selected for this opportunity will be supported by a $3000 New Colombo Plan Mobility grant
• To be eligible you must be:
  • an Australian citizen
  • enrolled in an undergraduate degree at Western Sydney University
  • be aged 18-28 years
  • must not have received a New Colombo Plan Mobility grant on a previous occasion
  • receive academic recognition for the experience
• Note: The Government requires that 70% of participants in the program must be between the ages of 18 and 28. Therefore 30% of participants can be 29 and over. If you are over the age of 28, you are still encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest

What is OS-HELP?

• You may be eligible for OS-HELP, a deferred HELP debt loan for undergraduate Australian citizens - loans of $4,000 or $8,149 are available. Academic recognition is required; you must have completed 80 credit points of study, and have 10
  credit points remaining on return. For more information, visit: http://bit.ly/2p2ooo0

Conditions of Participation

• The University of Western Sydney University is committed to demonstrating high standards of personal and professional conduct at all times. When participating in an overseas program, students must assume certain obligations to Western Sydney University (WSU), the prospective country and other participants in a program. See Conditions of Participation in an Overseas Program.
• The university reserves the right to vary program fees in the event of changes in exchange rates or price rises made by partners or other suppliers. If the cost of any service increases due to exchange rate fluctuations, price increases, tax changes or any other reason, participants are required to pay the increase when notified or may cancel a program which may result in cancellation fees.

STEP 1: Register Your Interest

• If you are eligible and interested in participating please email your completed application form and a copy of your passport (or proof of lodgement) to sustainability@westernsydney.edu.au

STEP 2: Apply for Academic Approval

• Discuss your preferred option with your Academic Course Adviser (ACA) or placement coordinator - visit your School website and see 'Contact'
• To receive recognition for your overseas experience, it is important that you seek advice from your Academic Course Advisor and apply for academic approval at least 3 months prior to commencement. Find out how to apply for Academic Approval below: 
  • Approval for Study Abroad / Non-Exchange+

STEP 3: Apply for OS-HELP

• You may be eligible for OS-HELP, a deferred HELP debt loan for undergraduate Australian citizens - loans of $4,000 or $8,149 are available. Academic Approval is required; have completed 80 credit points of study, and have 10 credit points remaining on return.
• Note, depending on the program, some of the opportunities below provide a scholarship, tuition waivers, free or cheap accommodation etc.

STEP 4: Complete the 'Before I Go' Online Checklist

Complete the Online Checklist (opens in a new window) to ensure you have completed the important tasks before heading overseas. This includes applying for a Student Mobility Travel Grant and information about travel insurance.