You are here More Pages
Going overseas

Pre-departure session

Before you depart

Two compulsory pre-departure sessions (for all students going on exchange) are held during each session. The first is held in the first few weeks of session, and the second is held during the study break before final exams. Students must attend both sessions, as they cover important information such as academic issues, money matters, health & safety, travel tips, and much more! You will also receive a detailed Pre-Departure Guide and have the opportunity to meet and receive advice from other UOW students who have recently returned from exchange. Students are also enrolled in an International Exchange Program Moodle site to have access to important information for the duration of their exchange.

Passports, Visas & Travel Plans

Passports:

  • A passport is an official government document proving your identity and citizenship when travelling internationally.
  • You must hold a valid passport for the entire duration of your time overseas. Australian citizens can obtain passport application forms from Australia Post offices around Australia (including the post office on campus). You should apply for your passport as soon as you are accepted to the Exchange Program.
  • If you already have a passport, please check the expiry date to ensure that it lasts for at least 6 months after your expected return to Australia. You may be refused entry to your host country (and other countries you may be travelling to) if your passport does not have at least 6 months remaining. As this is a requirement of many countries, we recommend that you renew your passport as soon as possible.Australian citizens should phone the Australian Passport Information Service on 131 232 or visit www.passports.gov.au for further information. International students should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of their home country for passport advice.

Visas:

  • A visa is a permit authorising a non-citizen to travel to, enter, transit or remain in a specific country for a stated purpose and time.
  • As an exchange student, you will usually be required to apply for a student visa to your host country and a tourist visa for any other countries you may be travelling to.
  • You will apply for your student visa after you have received your formal 'letter of acceptance' and/or visa paperwork from your host university. Because visa requirements are constantly changing and because UOW's International Exchange Program encompasses so many countries, the Office of Global Student Mobility is not able to offer visa advice. Students are encouraged to conduct independent research into visa requirements and to speak with representatives from the relevant consulates or embassies.

Flights & Travel Plans:

  • Although it is never too early to start investigating the cost and availability of flights to your exchange destination, you should not finalise any travel plans until you have received an official acceptance to your host university and your student visa.

Accommodation

  • Students are responsible for making their own accommodation arrangements and there will be a variety of options available to you. These may include university residences (highly recommended), sharing private accommodation with other students, or participating in a 'homestay' program with a local family (a great option for language learners). Each exchange university has a housing office which will assist you to obtain accommodation.
  • Most students choose to live in a university residence while on exchange, as this provides greater opportunity for meeting new friends and becoming involved in student life. Residence housing is normally in a shared dormitory room. However, placed in university residences cannot be guaranteed at some institutions, so you must be prepared to locate alternative housing if necessary. Further information about accommodation options can be found on partner university websites and in the Exchange Library.

Insurance

  • You must be covered by comprehensive travel insurance (incorporating medical insurance, medical evacuation and repatriation) for the entire period of overseas study and travel.
  • All students are automatically covered by UOW's comprehensive travel insurance policy for the duration of your overseas study period. Please note: this does not include any personal or leisure travel, you will have to arrange your own travel insurance for any personal travel.

Going Global

  • Going Global is a website to help you search for country specific and employment information and is one of the best online resources available. With over 80,000 pages of resources, this invaluable tool provides expert advice and insider tips for finding employment and internship opportunities across the globe.