The Development Education Immersion Program

The Development Education Immersion Program is an essential part of the Bachelor of International Development Studies program that gives students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of everyday life in a developing country. Participating in the Development Education Immersion Program (DVST304) is a compulsory component of the fifth semester of study (for February intake students) and fourth semester of study (for Midyear intake). To be eligible to enrol in DVST304, you must pass the Preparation for Development Education Immersion Program unit (DVST202) as well as the Humanitarian Work and Development Aid unit (DVST101).

The Development Education Immersion Program (DEIP) involves being located for a short period in the culture and reality of communities in a developing country. Students’ lives will be enriched and challenged by a community-based learning experience in which they will have the opportunity to interact with development practitioners and locals, and experience activities of cultural and historical significance.

Program Costs

There are costs associated with the Development Education Immersion Program that are in addition to standard tuition fees. The ACU Vice Chancellor’s Travel Grant (VC Grant) is a one-off subsidy up to a value of $2500 and is available to students to subsidise part of the costs of their Development Education Immersion Program. If a student chooses to use the VC Grant for overseas travel prior to and not related to their Development Education Immersion Program, then that student cannot use it to subsidise their Development Education Immersion Program. This same condition applies even if the student does not receive the full VC Grant amount for their prior travel. For more information and conditions associated with the VC Grant, please go to the Student Portal, choose ACU Info –> Careers and Opportunities –> Study Overseas –> Costs and Financial Support.

Contact ACU Staff

For Advice on the Immersion Experience please contact FEA.GlobalStudies@acu.edu.au