Ten University of Queensland undergraduate students have recently returned from Universitas 21 (U21) events in Guatemala, Mexico and Japan.
The students collaborated with students from around the world to discuss global environmental, social and economic challenges.
The three events involved a Summer School, Undergraduate Research Conference and a new Social Entrepreneurship program, and were hosted by institutions in the U21 consortium – a network of leading research-intensive universities in fifteen countries that collaborate to allow students to go above and beyond what could be offered independently or through bilateral alliances.
The UQ students, who represented a broad range of disciplines, from engineering to health sciences, economics, and languages, received grants from UQ’s Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE) to participate in the activities.
Clare Anderson, who is currently studying International Business and Spanish at UQ, was one of 12 students to participate in the new U21 Social Entrepreneur Corps program in Antigua, Guatemala.
Ms Anderson said the program, which combined development field work, intensive Spanish instruction, and courses in social entrepreneurship, Guatemalan politics, and culture, allowed her to apply her university knowledge in the not-for-profit sector.
“The program encourages sustainable development by promoting the micro-consignment model, which allows people in rural communities to fund new businesses ventures, by selling products on consignment rather than taking on a loan," Ms Anderson said.
“I was able to learn a great deal about social ventures and gain an insider perspective on these topics, which gave me a much broader perspective than one based on academic readings alone,” she said.
Through her involvement in the program, Ms Anderson was able to empower others and make a tangible difference in the lives of people who have low vision.
“Micro-consignment gives people in rural communities access to life-improving products such as water filters, reading glasses and solar lamps," she said.
“Part of the micro-consignment model is delivering close-distance eye exams to people free of charge.
“When I finally worked up the courage and was able to correctly examine and match glasses to someone who then bought them, it was an amazing experience. It was gratifying knowing that I had just helped someone be able to see again."
Michael Twycross received a scholarship to attend the recent U21 Summer School in Mexico.
“In Australia, we are somewhat isolated from the rest of the world, so to go overseas and experiences different cultures and meet new people is invaluable," Mr Twycross said.
“It gives you a different perspective on everything, the friends you make will last a lifetime and it also looks great on your CV,” he said.
Mr Twycross, who is currently studying Engineering and Arts, said he was keen to participate in as many global experiences as possible. Later this year, he will swap Spanish lessons for Chinese when he travels to Taiwan to further develop his Chinese language skills.
“I feel incredibly privileged that I have been able to access these amazing international opportunities with the help of UQ. I really encourage other students to get involved, and take advantage of all of the opportunities on offer,” Mr Twycross said.
Dr Jessica Gallagher, Acting Director of OUE, said strategic global partnerships like U21 were an important tool in assisting UQ to help students gain access to international experiences, realise their potential and make a meaningful impact across the world.
“Increasing student mobility has been one of the U21 success stories and we strongly encourage UQ students to apply to participate in future U21 events,” she said.
To find out more about Universitas 21 events, global experiences and professional development opportunities, visit www.uq.edu.au/undergraduate.
Media: Georgia Mitchell, 07 3346 0626, georgia.mitchell@uq.edu.au
