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In an era where international collaboration, cultural competence, and global perspectives are recognised as essential graduate attributes, short-term customised programs (study tours) are emerging as a vital component in preparing students for the future workforce. Yet, despite strong student demand and clear academic, personal, and employability benefits, some Australian academics and institutions still remain hesitant.

For many academics, the challenge isn’t recognising the value of customised group programs (study tours), it’s finding the time, support, and resources to turn a great idea into an actionable program. With increasing pressure to enhance curriculum relevance and student engagement through international learning opportunities, now is the time to act, and it’s not too late for 2025.

Customised Programs (study tours) Drive Impact – For Students and Faculty

After years of disrupted international learning opportunities, students are actively seeking short-term international experiences that align with their studies and provide meaningful, real-world outcomes. The appetite is there and is growing.

Short-term, academically aligned programs not only improve access and participation, particularly for underrepresented student cohorts, but also support key institutional priorities. Such as, strengthening global partnerships, embedding employability within the curriculum, and advancing learning outcomes.

These programs can also lead to improved student retention and performance, as greater engagement between students and faculty often results in stronger academic outcomes. Furthermore, progressive institutions are increasingly using a variety of global mobility opportunities, including short-term study abroad and work-integrated-learning (WIL) programs, as a key part of their domestic student recruitment strategy.

Yet with limited time and growing administrative burdens, many academics are unsure where to begin. That is where experienced third-party providers can play a transformative role.

No Need to Do It Alone – How to Make It Happen Without Burning Out

The demands on academic staff are significant. Coordinating a customised program, from designing a destination-specific itinerary to managing logistics and compliance, can feel overwhelming alongside teaching, research, and service commitments.

This is where CISaustralia plays a critical role, working in close partnership with Australian university staff to co-design and deliver academically sound, culturally immersive programs that meet course requirements and learning outcomes. The CISaustralia team manages the full operational process from logistics, in-country support, risk management, accommodation, transportation, cultural activities to group facilitation and more. Academics retain full control over academic content and assessment while we provide end-to-end program delivery support.

“This was an amazing experience for both faculty and students, with very positive feedback on the trip and its learning impact. The program ran more smoothly than we could have hoped — largely thanks to the onsite director’s support and presence throughout. Having logistics so well managed allowed us to focus on the science and itinerary, and truly get the most out of the academic experience.”

—  Dr Mike Kinsela, Lecturer & Dr Hannah Power, Associate Professor from University of Newcastle

Whether the goal is to explore a first-time program or to scale an existing subject for international delivery, the key is to start the conversation early and to understand that dedicated support is available at every stage.

Real Global Learning, Real Local Relevance

With over 13 years of experience and programs delivered in more than 35 countries, CISaustralia offers both global reach and deep local expertise. On-site staff and partners offer cultural insight, community relationships, and real-time support that enhance both academic delivery and the student experience.

Each program is customised to your course and learning outcomes. Recent examples include:

• Agriculture, forestry and livestock education in Timor-Leste
• Allied health and nursing in Indonesia, Laos, Nepal and Vietnam
• Art and design programs in Italy
• Business and innovation programs in Europe, Japan and Korea
• Environmental science and sustainability programs in Peru, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Fiji, Samoa, South Africa, Zambia, Maldives and Sri Lanka
• Global justice issues in Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand
• Language and cultural experiences in New Caledonia, Malaysia and Vanuatu
• Teaching and early education in Denmark, Germany, Italy, France and Belgium 

Through strong, on-the-ground partnerships with NGOs, universities, industry leaders, and community organisations, our programs go far beyond tourism, enabling students to engage meaningfully with real-world themes and challenges through a disciplinary lens.

Concerned About Funding? Support Is Closer Than You Think

One of the most common concerns we receive is around funding, and the reality is more promising than many assume.

The sector has moved beyond reliance on New Colombo Plan (NCP) funding, which has changed its focus in recent years. The most effective and widely accessible support for students today is OS-HELP, providing up to $11,207 (2025) to help fund overseas study. Unlike competitive grants, OS-HELP is flexible, dependable, and available across all disciplines – making it the reliable funding option for customised programs.

CISaustralia structures programs to be cost-effective, scalable, and aligned with funding criteria, ensuring both institutional buy-in and broad student accessibility.

Act Now for 2025: It’s Not Too Late to Get Started

While the year may be well underway, there is still time to design and deliver a program for late 2025 or early 2026. We recommend initiating conversations as early as possible, but there’s no need to have all the answers in place before reaching out.

Some of the most impactful programs we’ve supported started as informal discussions. With a destination in mind or simply curiosity about what’s possible within a discipline, academic staff can access guidance and support to bring their ideas to life.

Discover how a course can come to life abroad and inspire the next generation of globally minded graduates. Start the conversation.