by CLAIRE FIELD
we should not overlook the very profound impact our universities and students can and are having in smaller countries in our immediate region
Australia has understandably been celebrating the news that Deakin University is on track to open a campus in Gujarat’s Special Economic Zone (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, GIFT City) from mid-2024.
The news that the University of Wollongong will open its own campus in GIFT City and enrol students in finance and STEM courses from late 2023, and Melbourne University’s new dual degree with the University of Madras, Savitribai Phule Pune University and Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (Hyderabad) were also welcome announcements during Minister Clare and the Prime Minister’s recent visits to India.
As we celebrate the chance to forge new partnerships and opportunities in India, we must not overlook the importance of relationships, partnerships and educational opportunities closer to home.
Ahead of this week’s APAIE conference in Bangkok I was fortunate to travel to Laos and while there I had the opportunity to learn more about the vitally important work Griffith University had been undertaking. Pre-COVID, Griffith nursing and other healthcare students had for a number of years spent time as part of their degrees in very remote, mountainous areas of Laos which have very limited access to healthcare.
Speaking with one of the village chiefs from Luang Prabang who had assisted as a translator to the Griffith University staff and students – he explained the incredibly positive impact the students had had on Lao women needing maternity care and on villagers needing vital medical care but unable to travel to access it.
As Laos takes up the role as Chair of ASEAN in 2024 and given it is currently Australia’s ASEAN Country Coordinator – it was unsurprising that in November 2022 Prime Minister Albanese was celebrating Australia’s 70-year relationship with Laos and looking forward to a new Comprehensive Partnership.
Laos lacks the population, wealth and influence of India – but it’s relationship with Australia is well recognised and highly valued by the local population.
As Australian universities look at how they diversify their international education offerings – we should not overlook the very profound impact our universities and students can and are having in smaller countries in our immediate region. And we should be looking for more opportunities, across Laos and other ASEAN countries, to continue to make a fundamental difference to people’s lives.
Claire Field is a consultant offering advice to the tertiary education sector