Abstract:

International experience during university is essential for creating future citizens with adequate cultural and global competencies. As such, international study programs have become cours de rigueur at many universities. However, a successful study tour is not guaranteed. Student engagement is key to creating a transformative, educational experience. This paper advocates an innovative educational strategy implemented by the University of Canberra’s Faculty of Arts and Design. The strategy is bipartite. A pre-departure unit allows students to customise their itinerary according to their own study areas. This is combined with the use of a GPS tracking system allowing students to remain semi-autonomous on tour, while remaining safe, connected and immersed through a series of location-based challenges designed to expand skills and knowledge, as well as cultural and industrial, networking opportunities.

Keywords:

Education, location-based games, game design, study tour.