International Student Exchange
Why should I go on exchange?
- Combine study & travel: Not only will you gain an international education, but you’ll have the opportunity to advance your studies, whilst developing independence, cultural awareness and the ability to function in a global setting.
- Learn:
Living in a country is much different to simply travelling in a country. By immersing yourself in everyday life you really have the opportunity to learn about that culture – you could even learn a new language, too!
- International Studies Minor: Simply by going on exchange, you can get an International Studies Minor added to your UOW degree! Not only does this look great on your list of university accomplishments, but it also indicates to future employers that you have international experience which is invaluable in today’s global environment.
- Graduate on time: With careful planning, you can study subjects overseas that will count towards your degree back home. That means you won’t have to delay your graduation!
- Diversity in choice: Almost any degree can be studied overseas at any one of our 100+ partner institutions around the world, including: North, South and Central America, Asia and Europe. Click here to see the specific institutions that UOW are in partnership with.
- Future benefits: Imagine how an International Exchange will look to future employers on your resume, or the network opportunities it might create. A semester or year abroad may also open doors to future job prospects overseas. The sky’s the limit!
What if I don't have enough time to travel?The beauty of an International Exchange means not only do you get to live as a ‘local’ in your host country, but you will also get to take advantage of uni holidays and explore the surrounding regions as well.
If travelling to the northern hemisphere it is important to remember our university semester dates aren’t exactly ‘in sync’. This means there will be time both before and after uni session to travel and explore the sights of your host country!
Take a look at the sample calendar below to see the equivalent dates for a semester study both overseas (the example shows semester dates for the USA), and at the University of Wollongong (UOW). This will give you an idea of the time available to travel within your host country before you would be required to start classes:
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2006 example
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Classes start
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Mid-year break
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Classes end
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Exams end
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UOW Spring Semester
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17 July
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25-29 September
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20 October
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10 November
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Exchange Semester dates (eg USA)
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31 August
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9-10 October
23-26 November
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12 December
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20 December
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UOW Autumn 2007 Semester
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19 February
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6 April
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25 May
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15 June
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For example, if you were to go on a semester exchange to the USA, classes wouldn’t commence until 31 August. Since you would finish the previous session at UOW in mid-June, that gives you approximately two months to explore your host country before you would be required to attend class!
Additionally, session would finish in your host country on 20 December, giving you approximately two months of travel before you would be required to return home ready to commence study at UOW for the following year! How much does it cost?Going on exchange is affordable. Check out the table below to see what you pay for:
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UOW Tuition Fees
As an Exchange Student, you will continue to pay your tuition fees to UOW, rather than to your host university. Australian students may choose to defer part or all of their tuition fees via HECS-HELP. International students must pay the full tuition fee direct to UOW prior to departure.
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UOW Exchange Program Fee
This administration fee is payable to UOW after your acceptance to the Exchange Program.
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Passport
You need to have a current passport in order to travel internationally. For further details and current fee information go to www.passports.gov.au
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Visa Fees
In most cases you will need to obtain a student visa for your host country and a tourist visa for any other countries you may be travelling to. Visa fees can be verified by contacting the Embassy or Consulate of each country.
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Flight
The cost of your flight will be dependent upon your destination and the time of year that you choose to depart.
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Insurance
All students are automatically covered by the University of Wollongong’s comprehensive travel insurance policy for the first six months of their exchange. If you will be away for more than six months, you will need to pay for additional coverage through the University’s insurance provider.
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Living Expenses
All living expenses associated with the exchange are your responsibility. These will include accommodation, food, textbooks, transport, entertainment, etc. The actual amount of money you will need will depend on your destination and lifestyle.
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Financial Assistance available:
Eligible students may borrow up to $5,000 per session of overseas study (maximum two sessions) through the Australian Government’s OS-HELP loan scheme (see www.goingtouni.gov.au for further info).
The University of Wollongong also offers travel grants of up to $5,000 to eligible students, and all students not receiving one are given a travel grant to the value of $1,000 (figure for 2007).
In addition to funding offered by the University of Wollongong, you may also be eligible for scholarships offered by external organisations. These may include community groups, your local council or the government of your host country. You should check with the relevant consulate or organisation directly.
If you receive Youth Allowance and Austudy payments, it is likely that these will continue whilst you study overseas. Contact Centrelink for more information.
Alternatively, you might be able to find work to supplement your overseas experience while you study. For example:
- Japan – work up to 28 hours/week.
- USA, UK and Canada – work 20 hours/week ON CAMPUS.
- Europe – work only permitted in special circumstances.
- NB: Specific details on work rights can be obtained from the host country’s immigration website.
If you decide to give International Exchange a go, be sure to see the Study Abroad & Exchange Office at the time of applying for the latest information on travel grants available! You can contact Study Abroad & Exchange at studyabroad@uow.edu.au or (02) 4221 5404, or alternatively visit them in Student Central in Building 17 (Counter 1). Student Testimonials:Click on one of the following students to read about their experiences on International Exchange: More information:For more information on the International Exchange Program, visit their website at http://www.uow.edu.au/student/exchange/
Alternatively, you can contact the Study Abroad & Exchange Office at studyabroad@uow.edu.au or (02) 4221 5404, or visit them in Student Central in Building 17 (Counter 1).
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