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What is the "Psychology in an International Context: Singapore" program?

The School of Psychology at the University of Wollongong has received Australian Government New Colombo Plan (NCP) mobility funding for 2017-2020.  The program is called Psychology in an International Context, Singapore (or PICS).     Following successful pilot programs in 2015 and 2016, we will run the PICS program each year from 2017 to 2020 inclusive.

What are the aims of the PICS program?

  • To allow UOW Psychology students to gain a valuable cross-cultural international perspective on psychology and counselling
  • To promote interaction between Wollongong-based and Singapore-based UOW Psychology students
  • To provide  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

In 2020, we have    25 travel grants to issue to successful applicants.  The grant will cover the majority of your expenses, including flights, airport transfers in Singapore, twin-share accommodation, some transportation in Singapore,    a group dinner, and meals during the Research Seminar.      The trip is chaperoned by academic staff members.    The program will run   13-17 April 2020.     Travel  will be  11-18 April 2020.

​2. Singapore-based UOW students joining the Wollongong-based students to take part in the program

​In 2020, 25 Singapore-based students will take part in the program.     We'll cover   transportation costs from SIM to various off-campus locations, a group dinner, and meals during the Research Seminar.    The program will run 13-17 April 2020.  

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:
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  • Meet and get to know fellow UOW students
  • Attend workshops on counselling skills and practice
  • Attend a Psychology Research Seminar

Note: all subject to confirmation and change
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Previous programs

More pics, videos, and experience ratings

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"
More testimonials including helpful tips

Survey results from  PICS2019

PICS2019 was held on 21-28 April 2019.  Here  are some outcomes from our  post-program survey:   
  • 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 

With reference to the primary 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

Who is eligible to apply?

  • UOW students studying a 300-level Psychology subject at the Wollongong campus in Autumn session 2020    or at the Singapore campus (SIM) during Intake 1 2020

What do you do next?​

  1. Check out the FAQs and testimonials
  2. Ask us any questions you might have
  3. Apply to be part of the 2020   PICS program

You will be required to:
  1. Provide contact details
  2. List marks for the 2nd Year PSYC subjects you have completed
  3. Tell us what you think you would gain from being part of the program

The application will be sent directly to Professor Stuart Johnstone, NCP Project Co-Director

    Got a question?
​​Applications for PICS 2020 will open on September 16 2019
Applications will close on 1st of November 2019.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by 8th of November 2019.