ENHANCING THE TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE THROUGH IMMERSIVE, LOCATION-BASED GAMES

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.