Learning in action
ACU offers all our undergraduate education students across our campuses the opportunity to undertake professional experience and community engagement in the Solomon Islands.
As a part of the program, our pre-service teachers teach in years one to six classrooms in one of two partner schools in the Solomon Islands. Over 4 weeks of teaching, they are challenged to work with limited resources in a very different cultural environment. They learn to think creatively and develop engaging learning opportunities as they develop curriculum in teams with their peers.
The students are immersed in the community, living in standards commensurate to those of local Solomon Islanders. They engage fully in local community - learning about culture, life, communication and education in the Solomon Islands.
Financial Support
Pre-service teachers will receive a New Colombo Plan Scholarship of $3000 towards the cost of this program. In addition, students are able to apply for the ACU Vice Chancellor and President's Learning Abroad Grant of $500 and a OS-HELP loan to assist with the cost of the trip.
Previous participants say
Alyssa Panozzo, Bachelor of Education (Primary)
"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to challenge myself and learn how to become a more efficient and effective teacher. One of the most incredible parts of the teaching experience was the enthusiasm, not only from the students, but also from the teachers. They were keen to improve their own practice and it was amazing to be able to pass on new teaching practices to another teacher.
Through my course, I had the opportunity to experience teaching in another country, within a completely different culture. It was particularly challenging as we had limited resources available on hand and had to think creatively to make the most effective use of the resources."