East Timor Field Class (GEOG30026)

This subject consists of a 10-day field trip to East Timor in the Mid-Semester non-teaching period, with a series of compulsory pre-departure information sessions in early Semester 2 and a post-trip workshop in late Semester 2. The subject is designed to develop students’ understanding of the Asia-Pacific region and in particular of the complex geographies of small island and post-conflict states. Students will gain an in situ appreciation of the historical and contemporary issues relevant to East Timor and develop their empirical and analytical research skills while carrying out small group research into the impacts of conflict, climate and culture on social and economic development and the environment. While in East Timor, students will participate in a number of rural, urban and remote site visits during which time they will interact with local communities, civil society leaders, academics, government and aid organizations.

The East Timor Field Course (GEOG30026/GEOG90025) involves a full program of activities comprising travel to and around East Timor, including across remote and rough terrain using various modes of transportation (car, boat, foot). Students will be provided with privileged access to local Timorese communities and experiences, in both an urban, regional and rural setting. The East Timor Field Course can be emotionally and physically demanding and will include a level of personal intensity and challenge, and students are expected to be active managers of their own personal health and safety (with the support of teaching staff). A further field work plan and risk assessment with Faculty Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) team review and approval will be carried out in consultation with students closer to departure. This review will cover COVID-19 global pandemic and general field/travel risk mitigation in the East Timorese and Australian context.

The field trip will be under the supervision of the subject coordinators. Students are responsible for the cost of airfares, internal travel, accommodation and food. The estimated cost is between $2000-$2500.

Please note that in the event this subject is unable to run due to travel restrictions, students will need to have a back-up enrolment option for the semester, especially if the subject needs to be completed as a capstone and/or is necessary to graduate by the end of the year. The travel situation will be re-assessed by subject coordinators in late June.