Forest Therapy for International Students
Research shows that mastering daily life may not be so easy for many international students. Typical issues are:
Life can be stressful – particular for our international students. Study Melbourne (SMIP) – through its Study Melbourne Inclusion Program has recognized this issue. It has tasked INFTA with conducting guided Forest Therapy sessions for international students. You can participate in one of these sessions – completely free-of-charge.
What is Forest Therapy?
Forest Therapy is an evidence-based Public health practice. Guided Forest Therapy walks combine a specific blend of complementary physical and mental exercises in suitable forest surroundings leading to a lower heart beat, blood pressure and stress levels while, at the same time, the immune system, breathing and the overall physical and mental fitness and agility are strengthened.
What are the health benefits of Forest Therapy?
Click the link to find out about the many direct and indirect health benefits of Forest Therapy. So, taking part in one of our Forest Therapy sessions should help you to relax, de-stress and improve your health.
About INFTA and Forest Therapy
As the global peak body, INFTA conducts research and training in Forest Therapy and creates Public awareness about this effective health practice. Thus, INFTA is privileged to offer YOU a free Forest Therapy sessions at different locations: Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat.
Location 1 -Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne – perhaps you have already been there – is located close to Melbourne CBD and can easily be reached by bike, car or Public transport. It offers a much-desired green space in the heart of the city, lots of plants and trees to admire and is an ideal place to relax, replenish and recuperate. Regular Forest Therapy sessions for the Public as well as for corporate, organisational and educational clients have been conducted at the Royal Botanic Gardens successfully since 2017.
Location 2 – Waurn Ponds Campus in Geelong
The Forest Therapy sessions will be conducted at the world’s first, campus-based Forest Therapy trail at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus. Enjoy the indigenous landscape, ideally suited for a relaxing Forest Therapy session. You can reach the campus by foot, bike, car and public transport.
Location 3 – Mount Helen Campus in Ballarat
This Federation University campus is surrounded by forested areas very well suited for a relaxing Forest Therapy session. Located slightly outside of Ballarat, you can get here easily via bike, car or public transport.
Help us with research
The Forest Therapy sessions will be accompanied by research. We wish to learn how effective Forest Therapy is, specifically for international students. Indeed, the findings may lead to a future expansion of this program. So, many thanks in advance for helping us to collect valuable data as part of the accompanying research project.
Of course, all data provided by you is kept strictly confidential and in full accordance with all privacy laws and regulations. Any private data which would allow identification of individual participants will be anonymized.
The team responsible for this research project comprises:
Register here
You can register your participation by completing the form below. Choose from the available options of dates and times during October and November 2025. We have also made a Plain Language Statement and an event flyer available for you to read or download these links. Feel free to contact us should you have any questions.