Written by Steven Chandler
Dean of International Programs Jeff Hopper announced a revamped Harding University Australia (HUA), which will now tour a more significant portion of Asia every other year beginning in fall 2010. Revisions to the program came at the request of Dr. Burks, who advised last year that Harding increase its presence in Asia.
“This is actually a variation of the HUA program,” Hopper said. “We’re making it HUA, Harding University Australasia. It will move around but likely use Singapore as a base.”
Fall semesters will toggle between the newly designed Asia program and the current Australia program. For the fall of even numbered years it is planned that the trip will primarily be focused in Australia and New Zealand with a small side trip to Indochina. In the fall of odd years the trip is planned to entirely take place in Asia. The Asia program will visit countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, China and Vietnam.
“I’m encouraged by Dr. Burks’ decision to direct our International Programs to better reflect the way the world actually looks,” Hopper said. “After we implement these changes, our programs will better address the actual balance of population and faiths you find in the demographics of the world.”
This is not the first time Harding will have been to Asia. The current HUA (Harding University in Australia) program offers a few stops in Asia for a few trips, however, it was decided that a program should be designed to focus more specifically on Asia. Survey trips, research and dialogues with both faculty and students who have experiences with Asia all went into planning this program.
“We want the program to reflect the balance of people, races, religions and culture that actually exists,” Hopper said. “This is the part of the world where most of the people are, so to know the world as it is, we must have a familiarity with this sector.”
Pam Little the director of the Australia program since it started 14 years ago in 1996, will also serve as the director for the program’s Asia branch. She said she was very excited and thankful to Hopper for his work when it was announced that the program would be expanded to include Asia. She has had years of travel experience with the Australia program and said she feels equipped to take on managing the years HUA will be in Asia.
“I am looking forward to this fascinating part of the world being opened up to the students, and for them to see life from a different perspective,” Little said. “Travel is a classroom without walls, and promises innumerable surprises. It will be a life-changing experience, and I feel sure the students will return home with a thirst to continue seeking new horizons.
Participation in any of the International Programs teaches students more than just textbook facts; it teaches them about life and the global community.
