The University of Queensland will celebrate one of its most significant and enduring international partnerships when Professor Bruce Abernethy visits Universitas Indonesia on August 28.
Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences Professor Abernethy will lead a UQ delegation to mark 15 years of operating a joint psychology program.
“It has been an extremely successful relationship that has seen more than 200 Indonesian students complete their Bachelor’s degree at UQ since 2002,” Professor Abernethy said.
“In many cases UI students have valued the learning experience and lifestyle in Queensland to such an extent that they have chosen to continue in honours and postgraduate programs,” he said.
“With respect to research, there has been, and continues to be, developing partnerships linking staff and students from both institutions.
“Academic staff at UQ have been directly involved in the professional development of UI staff in the Faculty of Psychology and are seen as potential research advisors.”
Established in 1849 and situated just south of Jakarta, UI is recognised as one of the most prestigious public universities in Indonesia, with an enrolment of approximately 50,000 students.
In 2015, more than 20 UI students commenced s psychology studies at UQ via the joint degree program.
Joining Professor Abernethy for 15th anniversary celebrations will be Professor Virginia Slaughter and Associate Professor Peter Newcombe from the School of Psychology, along with International Student Support Officer Ms Astrid Sirowatka.
Professor Slaughter and Dr Newcombe will run a seminar for more than 200 attendees, provide research advice, and support and attend an alumni dinner.
“The program been recognised through several awards, and showcased by the Australian Government as best-practice for international engagement,” Professor Slaughter said.
“It’s a relationship that is valued, committed and one we hope to broaden, including enhancing research collaboration.”
“We have shared experiences – both successes and failures – in the hope of creating teaching and learning environments that allow students to achieve to their full potential.
Students in the UI-UQ program combine studying for two years at UI and two years at UQ to complete a Bachelor of Arts (Psych) from UQ and a SPsi (sarjana psikologi) from UI.
While studying their UI curriculum, the students also receive intensive teaching weeks each semester from visiting UQ staff along with English language lessons.
On average, once every two years a staff member from UI spends two months at UQ to conduct research within the School of Psychology.
Media: UQ Communications Robert Burgin +617 3346 3035, +61 0448 410 364, r.burgin@uq.edu.au
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