A highlight of Monash University’s philanthropic calendar, the annual Matheson Society lunch lived up to its promise by shining a spotlight on the University’s Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG) program.
Celebrated on Tuesday 9 May in the Chancellery, the event, hosted by former President and Vice-Chancellor Her Excellency Professor Margaret Gardner AC, provided a great opportunity to thank our community of bequestors, who were inspired by the stories of students who recently undertook the unique GIG opportunity.
GIG provides all first-year students the chance to spend two weeks overseas through Monash’s flagship international study experience. This fully funded study program is available to students at the end of their first year. The program provides rich opportunities for cross-cultural learning in the students’ own field of enquiry, as well as a transformational life experience.
As Bachelor of Advanced Science Research Student and GIG alumna, Hannah Collis, told the audience: “We’re getting to tackle global challenges, all expenses paid for travel, and we get to immerse ourselves in culture… I thought it was all too good to be true.”
An opportunity unique to Monash, the program could not happen without philanthropic support. In 2023, 592 students participated in the summer GIG, while 2867 have applied to go in 2024. A significant proportion are students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
As Professor Gardner said, “You can’t make a better impact than actually helping someone’s educational future and their impact in the world.”