UOW International Exchange Brochure

WANT TO GO PLACES? CONNECT: STUDY ABROAD AND EXCHANGE

UOW can take you to all corners of the globe. If you want to get more from your degree then consider an international exchange or study abroad program. It’s your passport to experience a truly global education.

Study options to expand your horizons Semester exchange Choose to study overseas for one or two sessions at one of our 140 partner institutions and gain credit towards your degree.

Short term programs Take the benefits of an exchange without the longer-term commitment.

Internships Select an internship to benefit your development, gain experience in your chosen field and enhance your employability.

So why not immerse yourself in another culture, combine study and travel and really expand your horizons?

With careful planning, studying abroad doesn’t have to add extra time to your studies, so you’ll be able to graduate on time but with an added international perspective to your degree.

Doing an exchange semester is affordable too, as you still only pay tuition to UOW and can apply for grants as well as borrow money to help with any extra costs.

If you have ever dreamed of seeing the world and immersing yourself in a new culture, a study abroad or exchange program can offer you an amazing overseas educational adventure - and your experience will last a lifetime.

Want to go places?

5 reasons to study abroad 1.

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Enhance your employment prospects by graduating from UOW with an international edge - employers are increasingly placing a high value on international experience.

Advance your studies and experience a truly ‘international education’ – more than 80% of participating students claimed their academic experience was enhanced by studying abroad*.

Study at some of the most prestigious universities for teaching and research around the world – give yourself an advantage that others don’t have.

Develop a greater understanding of both your own and another culture as well as meet new people and develop life-long friendships around the world.

Grow in self-confidence and become more independent, while learning more about yourself.

* Figure from the International Education of Students (IES) 2002 survey – www.iesabroad.org

Where can I go?

An exchange with UOW is your ticket to over 140 destinations: Asia – Pacific: China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Caledonia, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand.

Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

Latin America: Mexico and Brazil.

North America: Canada and the United States of America.

Partner university information and restrictions is available online at: www.uow.edu.au/student/exchange Language skills While you study abroad, you can learn a new language or improve your existing language skills-but this is not a prerequisite to going as you can study in English at many of UOW’s partner universities around the world. There are programs taught in English in most non-English-speaking countries which have partner university agreements with UOW.

Ellen Goh, University of Malta.

Sarah Stevens

Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Commerce (Asia-Pacific Studies & Japanese and International Business & International Studies) “I decided to participate in the exchange program at Sophia University in Tokyo so I could immerse myself in the Japanese language, culture and lifestyle.

I would never have imagined that I would make so many international friends! I met some amazingly diverse people from every corner of the globe. Being able to share the experience with them was very worthwhile.

I did things that I never thought I could possibly do and learnt much about myself. I now have more confidence in my own abilities and know that I can get through any challenge life throws at me.

If you are thinking about studying abroad, just do it! The possibilities are limitless – you just have to take advantage of them.�

Lloyd Niccol

Bachelor of Engineering - Bachelor of Commerce (Mechanical Engineering & Finance and International Studies) “I decided to go on exchange to experience a new culture, meet new people and travel around an exciting country. I chose South Korea as I wanted a completely different cultural experience and Chung-Ang University because it was central to Seoul and offered over 400 subjects in English.

Studying overseas opened up networks with people in Korea and China and has given me a unique insight into Asian cultures and the technological capacity of Korea, which will be very beneficial for future business.

Overall, it was the best experience of my life, both in terms of having fun and cultural insight. Studying overseas will also look appealing to potential future employees.

Go for a year, travel and see as much of the country as possible - get involved with social groups and meet new people. You’ll take the experience with you throughout your life.”

James Deane

Bachelor of Arts Dean’s Scholar (English Literatures and Politics) “I chose to apply for the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Programme for the opportunity to get some valuable, practical work experience while also getting the chance to live abroad. I never imagined that it would lead to me being offered a job on Capitol Hill!

While in Washington I learnt a lot about the American political system, a lot about my own abilities (particularly areas that needed improving) and formed close relationships with people that I’m still in touch with today.

Having worked in such a high pressure environment, I was then able to talk about the skills and attributes I had developed when applying for other programs and jobs. By the end of my degree, I had enough experience in diverse work environments to get the job that I really wanted and work on issues that are important to me.

The Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Programme was a terrific experience in itself but it really opened up a lot of new opportunities for me after I returned home to finish my studies.

I would recommend it, or other similar programs, unreservedly.

With an open mind and a bit of hard work the experience is very rewarding.”

Xirui Zhou

Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) I applied for University of St. Gallen because it is a very good business school located in the beautiful country of Switzerland. To see a totally different culture other than my own is very fascinating. I could not have believed I would see as much snow as in St. Gallen!

I have never imagined that I would see that scenery I have seen and experience this part of the world. And there are many unforgettable moments that I still could not believe that I have been part of.

Being in another university environment has definitely enriched my understanding of the major I am studying and my whole university experience.

The best part about studying abroad is putting myself in new situations and opening my eyes to see the world around me.

It can be a bit scary at first, but I have discovered new sceneries, cultures and, more importantly, more about myself.

It will definitely change my life path, in one way or another. And it has made me really miss the sunshine and the warm weather in Australia more than ever before. I would say that seeing more of the world makes me a bit more clear about what I look for and value in life.

If you decide to go on exchange, take a step now by making a stop in the exchange office to ask about the information session. It will get you on track with your exchange journey. Take the first step!

Can I afford it?

Yes! While you are away on an exchange you continue to pay tuition to UOW, not the overseas university. You will pay for your airfare, visas, overseas accommodation and any applicable host uni fees. All eligible students can apply for a $1,000 Student Exchange Travel Grant from UOW and some additional Targeted Travel Grants offered up to the value of $5,000.

The Australian Government offers OS-HELP loans allowing eligible undergraduate students to borrow over $6,000 per session of overseas study (maximum of two sessions) to use towards airfare, accommodation and other travel/study expenses. OS-HELP loans are then repaid with your accumulated HELP debt (including HECS) after your graduation from UOW. If you currently receive Austudy or Youth Allowance, you may continue to receive these benefits while you are on exchange. Contact Centrelink for further details.

You may be able to work part-time while overseas to assist in funding of your program (subject to host country visa regulations).

For a listing of targeted travel grants on offer please see the exchange website at : www.uow.edu.au/student/exchange

Apply now Take the first step. Come and learn how to start planning for your overseas program at an information session held by the Study Abroad & Exchange Office. Visit us in Student Central or email studyabroad@uow.edu.au for more information.

Application Deadlines

Application Criteria

You must be enrolled in a degree program at UOW Have a credit average (65%) or higher at UOW Completed the equivalent of one full-time year of study (48 credit points) at UOW by the time you depart on the overseas program

Application deadlines are available on the International Study Abroad & Exchange website or in the Study Abroad & Exchange Office located in Student Central.

For exchange programs commencing in January/February (UOW’s Autumn Session): Applications close June/mid-July For exchange programs commencing in August/September (UOW’s Spring Session): Applications close between December and March Short Course and Internship deadlines are available at: www.uow.edu.au/student/exchange/index.html

Get in touch Study Abroad & Exchange Student Central Ground Floor, Building 17 University of Wollongong

Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Postal address: University of Wollongong Student Central Ground Floor, Building 17 Wollongong, NSW 2522 P: 02 4221 5404 | 02 4221 5400 E: studyabroad@uow.edu.au W: www.uow.edu.au/student/exchange Facebook: www.facebook.com/uowexchange

The University of Wollongong attempts to ensure that the information contained in this publication is correct at the time of production (December 2012), however sections may be amended without notice by the University in response to changing circumstances or for any other reason. CRICOS: 00102E