Abstract:

The Los Angeles, Animation and Visual Effects Sojourn has been developed to further establish animation research and practice at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) within a global context. To date, QUT graduate outcomes in animation have seen students predominantly focussing on placement within the local animation industry with very little research or practice occurring internationally. This localised focus has stunted the capacity for graduate outcomes in the field and limited undergraduate exposure to the wider research and creative activity occurring beyond the Australian sector. By establishing an annual sojourn to the creative and cultural hub of animation and visual effects, students are exposed to the wider animation community and shown the global research and vocational opportunities that await them after completing their undergraduate study. This paper reflects on the 2015 LA Animation Sojourn, identifies key strengths and weaknesses in the initiative and provides recommendations for future overseas short-term international mobility experiences.

Keywords:

International Student Mobility, Critical Reflection, Immersive learning, International Study Tour, University Overseas Experiences.