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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
  • 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:
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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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When might the program run in 2022?

  We do not know for sure if/when the program will run due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions.     If the travel situation allows, and the program is given approval by UOW, possible  travel and program dates are shown below (these are subject to change).  You can express an interest in the program below.   It is anticipated that all participants will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
More pics and videos

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

Here  are some outcomes from our  PICS2019 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 

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
More survey results

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.

What do you do next?​

  1. Check out the FAQs and testimonials
  2. Ask us any questions you might have
  3. Express an interest to be part of the 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?
We are taking expressions of interest for the 2022 program  (see possible dates above)