Australian Government’s AsiaBound funds 144 Australian students
to develop Asia literacy skills in Thailand
8 July 2013
On 5 July in Jakarta, Australian Prime Minister, The Hon Kevin Rudd MP, announced the successful applicants for the inaugural AsiaBound Grants – an initiative that helps Australian students to study in Asia. Under this unique scheme, 144 students will soon come to Thailand for short term or semester long study.
The AsiaBound Grants program arose from the Australian Government’s Australia in the Asian Century White Paper launched in October 2012. The program addresses the need for Australians to be Asia-literate.
The Australian Government allocated approximately $10.67m for the programs in 2013-2014. The grants were available across the higher education and vocational education sectors and for preparatory Asian language study.
The inaugural round of AsiaBound was enthusiastically embraced by Australian educational institutions and students. Diverse applications were received for internships, practicums, community projects, clinical placements and semester-based study.
Of 144 recipients who will be coming to Thailand, 40 received an additional grant to undertake intensive Thai language study.
“I would like Australian students coming to Thailand to have a rewarding academic experience. I hope they will also immerse themselves in Thai culture and make lots of Thai friends”, Mr James Wise, Australian Ambassador to Thailand said.
The Australian Government is committed to increasing the numbers of Australian students who choose Asia as a study destination.
Many Australian institutions already have established linkages and partnerships with Thailand. The AsiaBound grants will help to expand them.