What is the 'Psychology in an International Context: Singapore' (PICS) program?
The School of Psychology at the University of Wollongong runs the Psychology in an International Context, Singapore (or PICS) mobility program. The PICS program has received support from the Australian Government New Colombo Plan (NCP) and the Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
What are the aims of the PICS program?
- To provide UOW Psychology students a cross-cultural international perspective on psychology, careers, research, and counselling
- To provide UOW Psychology students with an opportunity to get to know their classmates as well as students from another country
- To increase student's knowledge of the Indo-Pacific region and its people
- To increase the number of friends and connections students have in region
- To help make students more "work-ready" by gaining regional connections and experience
The PICS program involves:
1. Wollongong-based UOW students travelling to Singapore in a group
2. Singapore-based UOW students joining the Wollongong-based students to take part in the program
- Students from UOW Wollongong campus will travel to Singapore for 2 weeks
- Academic staff members travel with the group and facilitate the program
- Flights and twin-share accommodation will be paid for through the NCP funding
2. Singapore-based UOW students joining the Wollongong-based students to take part in the program
- Students from the SIM campus in Singapore join the Wollongong-based students for 2 weeks of on- and off-campus activities
- Academic staff members facilitate the program
What will you do?
The program encompasses on-campus activities at our partner institution (SIM) including seminars and workshops, as well as off-campus visits (restrictions permitting), and plenty of free time to explore and socialise. You will:
Note: all subject to confirmation and change |
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Will the program run in 2024?
Yes!!
- The approximate travel dates for Wollongong-based students will be Saturday 22 June to Thursday 4th July, 2024.
- The program dates (for all students) will be 24-28 June (Week 1) and 01-03 July (Week 2) 2024. Week 1 is the week before Intake 2 at SIM, and Week 2 will work around the 1st week of Intake 2 for SIM students with the program concentrated in the afternoons.
Who is eligible to apply?
Students who will be completing at least two 300-level subjects at either Wollongong or SIM campus in 2024.
PICS in pictures
Testimonials
Wollongong-based student
"The highlight for me was meeting students from a different cultural background and becoming really good friends with them regardless of all the differences we have. Also, getting to tour IMH and really understanding the possibilities to help people in certain jobs related to my degree. And gaining essential skills really helped me to evaluate what direction I want to take my degree"
Singapore-based student
"The highlight of my experience was the chance to know a group of fantastic students and professors from UOW Wollongong. I learnt a lot about life and culture in Wollongong from them. It was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed having conversations and spending time with them. Additionally, I also enjoyed the sessions of counselling skills and practice. It was a good opportunity to learn more about counselling skills, and life as a clinical psychologist in general"
Survey results from PICS2023
Post-program survey results indicated
When asked, “What are 3 things you feel that you have gained from being part of the PICS program?”, responses included:
- A 90% approval rating
- 61% of students indicated that the program exceeded their expectations, with 96% indicating it met or exceeded their expectations.
When asked, “What are 3 things you feel that you have gained from being part of the PICS program?”, responses included:
- Confidence to step outside of my comfort zone, knowledge surrounding career paths as well as communication skills with others.
- Friends, experiences, knowledge.
- Cross cultural experiences and connections. A deeper appreciation of psychology and its applications. Friends.
- Connections, better understanding of myself and appreciation of research.
- Knowledge of career pathways.
- Global friendships and connections; A Better understanding of the options available to me for future career progression; an appreciation for Singapore and its culture!
- Confidence in my degree and also more of an understanding of where my degree can take me. I also gained a lot of practical skills.
- Friends!! Confidence and eagerness to grab every opportunity that arises.
- Friendships! Knowledge about the other country's culture. Career pathway expectations.
- A better understanding of counselling skills.
- An appreciation for a range of cultures.