What is the 'Psychology in an International Context: Singapore' (PICS) program?
The School of Psychology at the University of Wollongong has received Australian Government New Colombo Plan (NCP) mobility program funding for 4 years. Our mobility program is called Psychology in an International Context, Singapore (or PICS). The aims of the program are shown below. We hope to run the program again in 2022 and 2023.
What are the aims of the PICS program?
- To provide UOW Psychology students a valuable cross-cultural international perspective on psychology and counselling
- To promote interaction between Wollongong-based and Singapore-based UOW Psychology students
- To provide UOW Psychology students with an opportunity to get to know students from another country, their classmates, etc.
There are two sides to the PICS program:
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 1 week
- Two academic staff members will 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 a week of on- and off-campus activities
What will you do?
The program encompasses on-campus activities at our partner institution (SIM) including seminars and workshops, as well as visits to professional organisations, and free time to explore. You will:
Note: all subject to confirmation and change |
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Will the program run in 2022?
The program will run 27 June to 1 July in 2022. All participants will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
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 PICS2019
Here are some outcomes from our PICS2019 post-program survey:
Looking at the aims of the New Colombo Plan, the survey also indicated that PICS2019 had:
- There was a 90% approval rating
- 79% of students indicated that the PICS program exceeded their expectations
- 100% of students indicated that the PICS program met or exceeded their expectations
Looking at the aims of the New Colombo Plan, the survey also indicated that PICS2019 had:
- Increased their knowledge of the Indo-Pacific region and its people for 76% of students
- Increased the number of friends and connections they have in the region for 97% of students
- Resulted in them considering studying part of their degree in another country in the Indo-Pacific region for 53% of students
- Made them more "work-ready" by gaining regional connections and experience for 56% of students
A summary of PICS 2017-2019
Who is eligible to apply?
- Students who will be completing at least two 300-level subjects at either Wollongong or SIM campus in 2022.