Unit outline_

BWIL6260: Philippines Study Tour

Intensive January - February, 2026 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit is designed to consolidate students' knowledge and skills in how socio-cultural context plays in businesses while conducting a project/internship. The unit allows students to demonstrate their ability to apply and synthesize social business concepts while engaged in practical business development. Students may be involved in a variety of projects, which afforded the opportunity to apply business skills, non-technical skills, and theories with practice.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Work Integrated Learning Hub
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

A sound understanding of business and strong written and oral communication skills.

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Lilia Mantai, lilia.mantai@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 30 January 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Contribution Participation and engagement
Punctuality and presence in all scheduled activities.
40% Ongoing Ongoing AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Presentation group assignment Presentation
Final pitch to stakeholders in-country.
30% Week 02
Due date: 20 Feb 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 27 Feb 2026
20 mins AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Portfolio or journal Reflection
Reflective report on your project experience.
30% Week 03
Due date: 27 Feb 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 06 Mar 2026
1250 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 1 - Participation and Engagement: BWIL6260 is a project-based unit which means that being present, engaged, and actively contributing is important. Moreover, as you will be representing the University itself as we travel through the Philippines - your engagement with the course and our space is paramount. In BWIL6260 , you will be evaluated each day for your efforts based on a provided rubric. Halfway through the project, the coordinator will share the details of your performance to date and offer feedback for key strengths/weaknesses. In addition, you are also able to request a consultation at any time with the coordinator to discuss your performance to date.

Assessment 2 - Presentation: This presentation is your ‘pitch’ to a stakeholder you will meet in the country that attempts to solve a key problem that they are facing.  This presentation will need to cover your problem definition, research, ideation, testing, development, and of course a clear articulation of what your proposed solution is. This is an in-person group assignment that will take place on the final full day of the program. This assessment will be largely scaffolded and supported throughout the program. Each student in a group will share a grade for the overall presentation component, in addition, each student will also receive an individualised grade for their own presentation skills during this presentation. 

Assessment 3 - Reflection: Reflecting in order to improve practice is essential to developing both personally and professionally. This process can be challenging but being able to consider all feedback critically and respond to it is an important skill to have in organizations (and in life). This assignment has been designed to (a) encourage you to think critically about your engagement with the unit and (b) mirror a common experience in an industry where you are asked to report back on a key project, site visit, or conference. 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: (1) Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. (2) Assessments submitted after the “Closing Date” noted in the Unit of Study Outline will not be marked or assessed.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Pre-semester Pre-departure orientation and briefing Block teaching (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week -01 Sunday 08 Feb 2026: Day 1 - Arrival and Welcome Dinner Block teaching (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 01 Monday 09 Feb 2026: Day 2 Block teaching (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Tuesday 10 Feb 2026: Day 3 Block teaching (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Wednesday 11 Feb 2026: Day 4 Block teaching (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Thursday 12 Feb 2026: Day 5 Block teaching (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Friday 13 Feb 2026: Day 6 Block teaching (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Saturday 14 Feb 2026: Day 7 Block teaching (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Sunday 15 Feb 2026: Day 8 Block teaching (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Monday 16 Feb 2026: Day 9 Block teaching (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Tuesday 17 Feb 2026: Day 10 Block teaching (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Wednesday 18 Feb 2026: Day 11 Block teaching (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Thursday 19 Feb 2026: Day 12 Block teaching (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Friday 20 Feb 2026: Day 13 Block teaching (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Saturday 21 Feb 2026: Day 14 - Debrief and Departure Breakfast Block teaching (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

This is an intensive, collaborative, in-person study tour to the Philippines. As such, it is important that you are punctual, present, participating, and engaged in all activities. Please refer to the briefing session, supporting documentation, and Canvas for full details.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Please ensure you have read the Student Handbook for the unit. This was emailed to all students and is also available on Canvas. 

 

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Demonstrate and integrate disciplinary knowledge, concepts, and principles in a range of business contexts.
  • LO2. Identify, analyse, and solve business challenges, reaching conclusions using fundamental concepts, principles, and knowledge.
  • LO3. Evaluate issues relating to business ethics, sustainability and social responsibility in addressing business challenges.
  • LO4. Communicate effectively and professionally using a range of communication modes in business contexts.
  • LO5. Work productively, collaboratively and openly in diverse groups and across cultural boundaries.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit of study is being offered in 2026 with funding from Sydney Global Mobility's Diversity Funding Program. Improvements have been made based upon feedback from prior deliveries.

Additional costs

The program package fee is A$3,550 for sharing rooms.The fee includes: thirteen nights student accommodation in Philippines; round trip transfers from/to the airport to all locations; three meals per day for the duration of the program; all in-country program as stated in itinerary including workshops and activities of the day (such as meeting social entrepreneurs, engaging with communities and tours) 24/7 in-country support. Additional costs you’ll also need to pay include; unit of study tuition fee; visa fee of $50-100. This fee is determined and collected by the Philippine Consulate General; travel; expenses including airfares; incidentals; personal expenses; social expenses; any additional accommodation you arrange yourself if you choose to stay before or after the program.

Site visit guidelines

This program will include extensive site visits. Please refer to the briefing session, supporting documentation, and Canvas for full details.

Work, health and safety

Work, health, and safety requirements are extensive for this program. Please refer to the briefing session, supporting documentation, and Canvas for full details.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.