The 5th Annual VIP Study Tour of Turkey - 2009
The Australian Intercultural Society (AIS) is an organisation committed to promoting Australia’s unique cultural diversity.  It is also proactively working in harmony between cultures and promoting pluralist democracy at an international level. The AIS has given tangible shape to these objectives through its role in hosting a number of national and international intercultural and/or interfaith programs and events in Australia.  The AIS was also closely involved in the organisation of the annual Ramadan Dinners at the Australian Parliament House (Canberra) and Victoria Parliament House in 2004, 2006, 2007 and at the Government House of Victoria in 2008. It has also organised the International Abraham Conference for the past seven years as well as other educational programs and events.

The Intercultural Study Tour to Turkey is a part of AIS's international Dialogue Project that has been continuing for the past three years. This year, the AIS would like to invite those who are interested in the project to join the 5th Annual Intercultural Study Tour to Turkey during one of the following periods:

  • ANZAC Spirit Study Tour                

20 April – 3 May 2009

            Tour Info Kit (PDF) / Registration Form (Word-file) / April Itinerary (PDF) / Anzac Day Ceremony PDF

  • Travel to Timeless Cities – Cappadocia, Harran 

27 Jun – 10 July 2009

Tour Info Kit (PDF) / Registration Form (Word-file) / June Itinerary (PDF)   

The trip will help you discover the historical, cultural and natural beauties of Turkey, a living example of the harmony of different faiths for centuries, whilst allowing those who they come into contact with be enriched through an interaction with Australian Culture.

  • The intercultural tour of Turkey will give the participants the opportunity to:

  •  build on their multi-faith understanding at a grass roots level in a 99% majority Muslim country;

  •  develop leadership in the area of intercultural understanding;

  •  network  nationally and internationally in the area of diversity education ; and

  •  promote opportunities for women to participate in leadership.
     

Participation is especially encouraged for community and religious leaders, academics, government service providers and other individuals and organisations who have an ongoing interest in interfaith and intercultural dialogue.