¡°Members of the Defence Force, Members of the Diplomatic core and dare I say it most importantly you, the students and scholars of the future, because in your hands more than you probably estimate lies the future. How we shape this discussion this debate about international relations, about strategic studies, very much impacts the reality. And those engaged in the academic pursuit of these disciplines never ever underestimate your impact on what the practitioners then take from that and how you shape the reality out there in Australia¡¯s engagement with the world.¡±
- Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister of Australia, August 6th 2008, speech at the opening of the Hedley Bull Centre, The Australia National University.
To this end, in 2004 ACIC has designed a new kind of study-abroad program: the Study Abroad (Internship) Program [SA(I)P] which has received very positive reviews from participants in Australia and New Zealand since its conception. This innovative new program provides native English speaking college students or recent graduates in educationally related fields (all majors, however, could be considered), the opportunity to spend one or two semesters as an intern elementary school or kindergarten teacher in China. We at ACIC recognize the difficulties involved with venturing to another country and so to ease the transition ACIC will underwrite all expenses associated with the program. (See: ¡®What ACIC provides¡¯ for details). Additionally, to ensure the Intern gets the most they can from their experience in China, ACIC provides a detailed upon-arrival orientation session that covers everything, from the acclimation to a different culture, to a crash course in ESL techniques and resources. Currently we offer two programs to choose from: Half Day ¨C Targeted toward undergraduates. Participants in this program will only work 20hrs/wk, allowing for additional time to explore their surroundings. Graduates may apply, but priority will be granted to undergrads. Full Day ¨C Targeted toward graduates. Participants in this program will work full working days of 40hrs/wk, and will be compensated for their labor in addition to having their living expenses covered. In addition to teaching responsibilities, participants in the program will need to plan weekly schedules, daily lesson agendas, teaching aids, as well as portfolios and assessments reports. Additionally, Interns may be tasked with coordinating and assisting in school events allowing a unique opportunity to work closely with Chinese co-teachers and principals and a chance to bring their foreign expertise to the fore. The benefits of these programs are numerous: Ø You will develop a deep awareness of another culture Ø You will build your teaching skills in a challenging environment Ø You will acquire nonverbal and verbal communication skills (one of the oldest languages in the world!) Ø You will garner valuable cross cultural work experience that will prove useful in this ever shrinking world. Ø You will meet a vast number of new people from varied backgrounds. Ø AND You will have fun
Many universities and colleges around the world offer a variety of study abroad programs that allow their students to expand their horizons and obtain international experience. Unfortunately these programs can be prohibitively expensive and can become a daunting process that may deter potential applicants.
We here at ACIC understand the challenges and rewards from participating in such a program, which is why we are here to assist with the journey from start to finish. It cannot be emphasized enough that this can be an incomparable journey of growth and enrichment wherein the Intern will make lifelong Chinese friends, learn about China¡¯s sweeping culture and traditions, all the while gaining invaluable international career experience in one of the most dynamic environments in the world.
For a more detailed introduction to the program & life in China, download our 
China Travel Handbook.pdf
P.O. Box 6029,Level 1, 45 Sanders Street, Upper Mount Gravatt, Queensland 4122, Australia
Ph: (61+7) 3343 7000 Fx: (61+7) 3349 8104 Email:acic@acinvests.com