Fifteen students from Flinders Law School have toured India as part of the Australian Government’s AsiaBound Program to promote student engagement with Asia.

The group combined learning about the Indian legal system with visits to a range of sites, including police stations and courts.

“You study about things like human trafficking and understand it in theory but then, my goodness, there it is, right in front of you,” one student said after seeing a 14-year-old girl appear in court after being rescued by an NGO.

The two-week tour was organised by Professor David Bamford, former Dean of Flinders Law School, in conjunction with the National Law University, Delhi, and Symbiosis International University, Pune.

Students who successfully complete assignments on their return will gain credit for one topic.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to see courts in action and to meet senior lawyers and judges,” Professor Bamford said. “I believe Flinders is the first Australian law school to organise a visit of this type and hopefully it will be the first of an ongoing summer school program.”

During their trip, students were able to participate in a range of ceremonial and cultural activities to celebrate India’s Republic Day, which shares its date (26 January) with Australia Day. To mark the occasion, the group was invited to an informal celebration at the Australian High Commission in Delhi.

“India is going to be of vital importance to Australia in the future – economically and strategically,” Professor Bamford said. “Flinders graduates who participate in this program will be better placed to make the most of the growing opportunities this presents.”

The AsiaBound Grants Program aims to support Australian students participating in study experiences in Asia as part of their degree or qualification. The program supports the Australian Government’s commitment to help Australians become Asia-literate.

It provides funding in the form of $2000 grants for short-term or $5000 grants for semester based study for Australian students each year. $1000 grants will also be available each year for preparatory Asian language study that can be undertaken before or during an AsiaBound project.