Technology for Impact in Timor-Leste
Explore the role of technology with a social impact and environmental lens overseas- this Study Tour is part of a 6-week intensive Winter term unit.
Key information
- Destination/s: Timor-Leste
- Dates: 30 June – 13 July, 2023 (*Note this study tour is part of ENG30003 a six-week unit run in the 2023 winter term)
- Cost: A$4,000 + airfares
- Funding available: OS HELP Loans available for eligible students
- Eligible students: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
- Application deadline: 31 March 2023
- Register your interest
Study tour overview
Experience what design and development can look like when we place sustainability and community wellbeing at the centre of our work. Guided by Engineers Without Borders Australia, this immersive study tour will introduce you to technology with a social impact and environmental lens. You will be asked to consider how the technical sector can contribute to a better world and be challenged to address the question: how can effective technology scale to achieve meaningful impact?
Be inspired by expert facilitators and motivated peers. Connect with Timorese professionals and community. Leave with a deeper understanding of your role in creating a better world.
The Technology for Impact Immersive study tour is part of a six-week for credit elective unit (ENG30003) run in the 2023 Winter term. Throughout the unit and study tour you will:
- Explore the role of technology in a development context while working on a group project in collaboration with our in-country partner Engineers Without Borders
- Gain experience working cross-culturally by meet with technology and engineering firms, local and international development agencies, social enterprises and many more
- Gain insights into the complexities of the Timorese socio-political and environmental context
- Build your personal and professional networks
- Experience the dynamic Timorese culture and learn basic Tetum
Highlights / tentative itinerary
This study tour is a part of ‘ENG30003 Technology and Innovation in Society Field Project’, a six-week intensive unit run in the Winter term.
Approximate unit Schedule:
- Week 1 and 2 - Classes on campus in Hawthorn to prepare for the field intensive
- Week 3 and 4 - Field intensive in Timor-Leste with Engineers Without Borders Australia
- Week 5 and 6 - Classes on campus in Hawthorn to wrap up project work, assessment, and present project outcomes
Highlights of the intensive field trip to Timor-Leste:
- Workshop and discussions guided by experienced facilitators and Swinburne academic staff to build your skills and confidence working in complex environments
- Seminars and guest presentations from local engineering and technology organisations, development agencies and social enterprises
- Site visits to local industries and social impact projects
- Networking events, language lessons, and a homestay component to truly immerse yourself in Timor-Leste community and culture
- Visits to historical and cultural sites such as the Resistance Museum and local markets
Unit assessment:
The unit assessment will include group project work and individual portfolio work. There is no exam associated with this unit.
Academic information
Which unit/s can this program be taken for as credit?
- ENG30003
Can this unit be taken as an elective by students in any Swinburne degree?
Yes.
Eligibility and selection criteria
To be eligible to apply you must have completed 150 credit points of study prior to the study tour commencing.
All students must apply through the EWB website.
Program cost includes:
- A team of professional facilitators and mentors to support and guide your learning and experience through-out the program
- Support of community partners
- All in-country logistics
- Comprehensive risk and safety processes
- All meals
- Cultural activities and language lessons
- Chartered transportation
- Twin-style accommodation
- Support of EWB’s programs and activities
- Travel insurance
- 24/7 in-country support
Additional expenses to consider (not included in program cost):
- International airfares
- Most meals
- Academic unit fees
- Medical costs and vaccinations (if required)
- Visa (if required)
*Program cost is approximate at the time of being listed online.
The following types of funding are available to help eligible students with the costs towards this program:
- OS Help Loan of up to $8,817 (as at 2023)
Information session(s)
Information sessions are scheduled for March. Please register your interest to find out more.
Still not sure?
For further details on this program please contact:
Jenny Turner
+61 9214 8878
jturner@swinburne.edu.au
studytours@swinburne.edu.au
Interested in studying abroad?
Our friendly and well-travelled Swinburne Abroad team can help answer any questions about our overseas study programs.