Selecting Your Preferences

When you apply to the Exchange Program, you will need to identify and rank in order of preference two universities where you would like to go on exchange*. You will also be required to submit a completed Advanced Standing Form for each university preference.

* Note: Students applying to the University of California will need to provide preferences and study plans for three of the eight UC campuses available. Students applying to the University of North Carolina System will need to provide preferences and study plans for three of the sixteen UNC campuses available.

You should first consider your own goals for the exchange and any preferences you may have in relation to your destination.

You should then evaluate your language skills. Is the purpose of your exchange to learn another language or would you prefer to take classes taught entirely in English? Classes are taught in English at many of UOW’s partner institutions around the world, including non-English speaking destinations like the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden (to name just a few!). Also, students who can demonstrate fluency in another language may be permitted to study academic subjects taught entirely in that language.

The next step is to research UOW’s partner universities to identify those that will best suit your academic and personal needs. You should begin this process well in advance of the application deadline, as you may need to thoroughly investigate at least 5 – 10 universities. For each institution, you should consider:

• Does the university offer subjects that are appropriate to your UOW degree?
• Are the subjects you want to take available in the session you plan to be there?
• Will you meet the pre-requisites to take those subjects?
• What is the reputation of the university?
• Is the university known for excellence in your particular field of study?
• What is the size and location of the campus?
• What is the campus culture like?

Remember that research is the key to making an informed decision about where to go on exchange!

Find out more about the research tools available to help you to identify the exchange destination that is right for you!