The Australian Education Office (AEO) is a US non-profit with the mission of enhancing all forms of educational links between Australian and US institutions. As part of this mission, the AEO has conducted over fifteen familiarization tours of Australian universities over the last six years. In total, we have provided more than 150 US educators with an overview of Australian higher education. Moreover, the Tours have resulted in many study abroad programs, and exchange agreements being established.

 

In 2001 the AEO will be introducing faculty-focused familiarization tours. We believe that because most student, faculty, and research exchange and collaboration are more effective with the active involvement of faculty members, and what better way to introduce faculty members to the opportunities in Australia.

 

Participants / Tour Outcomes / Typical Day / Costs / Map

 

 

Participants:

Tour participants are expected to have the full support of their institution to participate. This means, approval from the appropriate Dean, Director of International Education, or other senior administrator. Participants are expected to include:

All participants on the tour are expected to participate in all university meetings and visits. Unless it is travel day or specified as a free day, participants can expect to be in meetings all day long during the tour.

 

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Tour Outcomes:

While the AEO is not in a position to guarantee that by participating on a tour you will be able to identify a potential partner institution, you will certainly be given every opportunity to do so. Participants should be warned that Australian universities are very wary of signing new and unlimited exchange agreements with US universities since most have trouble filling their existing change places. However, programs that involve faculty support and research collaboration will most likely be of more interest to Australian institutions. Other topics of discussion might include study abroad programs, joint-degree programs, distance education opportunities and international project participation.

Approximately one month before the tour, participants are expected to provide the AEO with a short statement of what they hope to learn and achieve on the Tour. This information is then shared with host Australian universities so that they can plan an appropriate itinerary.

 

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What is a Typical Day Like?

A typical day on an AEO Fam Tour would involve a visit to one Australian university. Depending on the university, this may mean visiting and touring several campuses, while others have only one campus. Typically, the day will include a campus tour, a brief overview of the history, structure, and course offerings of the institution, and in-depth presentations on the appropriate departments. Participants can expect to have time for one-on-one discussions during morning and/or afternoon tea and during lunch. With advance notice, the AEO can also arrange for one-on-one meetings.

In some cases the host university may plan some cultural activities to highlight the city in which the institution is located. Other universities plan an evening reception or dinner so that discussions can continue in a more relaxed environment. At times, cultural activities are optional, but participants are strongly encouraged to attend.

 

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Tour Costs:

The price of AEO Tours are subsidized by the AEO and the host universities. Moreover, the airlines provide concessional airfares to the group. By participating in the AEO Tour, you will be able to visit eight or nine universities in four or five cities over a two-week timeframe for roughly the same cost as spending one week in two cities and visiting three or four institutions.

Cost: $3,000

Includes:

Does not include:

 

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