My College Guide is all packed up and ready to go! In fact, we’re gearing up for a study abroad series. Stay in tune with all things study abroad as we speak to colleges for advice as you decide how long or how far you want to travel!
Courtesy of Australian Catholic University
First up is Australian Catholic University! My College Guide spoke with Elissa Newall, online marketing manager, at Australian Catholic University for a little study abroad advice. Keep watch over the coming weeks for more study abroad advice and tips from several International universities – and maybe even a few right here in the US! It’s good to know your options.
If a student hasn’t really traveled before, is studying abroad a good idea?
Definitely! Study abroad is a great way to explore the world, while still having support from university staff at home and abroad. You have the ability to live and experience another culture, while continuing to complete your degree.
Australian Catholic University (ACU) provides comprehensive support services to all students to help them make the most of their time at university and to ensure their studies are successful. These services include:
Pre-departure guide
International student orientation program
Multi-faith chaplaincy and quiet rooms
Accommodation assistance
Careers and employment service
ACU hosts students from a number of countries around the world, with the majority of students traveling abroad individually and for the first time. We always find that students forge great friendships with not only Australian students, but with students from all over the world during their semester abroad. These friendships continue well into the future and are especially useful for additional overseas adventures after their study abroad!!
Courtesy of Australian Catholic University
How does study abroad at Australian Catholic University work?
The most popular option is for students currently completing a university degree, to spend a semester or year as a study abroad student at any of our 5 locations along the Eastern Coast of Australia. Students can enroll in a maximum of four units (classes/subjects) and then transfer credits back to their home university. This is a great way to study abroad, break up the length of their degree program, but still be able to graduate on time.
Studying abroad also enables students to study units that may not be offered at their home university, such as Australian, Indigenous, Asian or Environmental studies. Some units also offer exciting field trip options which are a great way to engage in the Australian culture and enhance their experience studying in a foreign culture. Find out more about Study Abroad at ACU.
ACU has formed partnerships with a large network of partner universities around the world. Students studying at any of our partner university can participate in our semester or year abroad program as an exchange student. Exchange students continue to pay their usual tuition at their home institution while studying at ACU. Check if your university is one of ACU’s Exchange Partner Universities.
Students also have the option to complete a full degree program abroad. ACU offers a full range of Bachelor, Masters and PhD programs, across five faculties: Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences and Theology & Philosophy. This is a perfect way to complete a professional qualification, while studying abroad for a longer period of time. Students can browse Degree Courses or contact the ACU International Office for more information.
Courtesy of Australian Catholic University
Why study abroad at Australian Catholic University?
With six campuses in Australia, located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Ballarat, ACU offers students a choice of destination each with its own unique lifestyle and character.
ACU has a total population of approximately 20,000 students, providing the facilities and academic opportunities of a large university. However each campus is small enough to allow for a close working relationship between students and teachers, with smaller classes enabling academic staff to give individual attention to students. ACU has a diverse student population, hosting students from more than 85 different nationalities.
ACU offers a wide selection of majors across five faculties: Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences and Theology & Philosophy.
We also offer a range of ‘value-added’ study abroad options for students who are looking for a program that offers more than a typical semester abroad and are interested in engaging with their host community on a deeper level, Our ‘Study Abroad Plus’ range of programs enables students to enroll in 2-3 elective units at our Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne campuses, and complete one of our new study abroad components: Internship, Community Engagement (service learning) or China Study Tour.
Any advice regarding what a student should bring with them to make the transition to a foreign country a little easier?
Studying overseas means leaving family, friends and familiar places. Whilst this can be incredibly exciting, it can also be an extremely emotional time. You will, no doubt, have feelings of home sickness at some stage or another. The most important thing to remember is that this is quite normal. Bring photos of family members, or any items that you may use day-to-day that may not be able to get abroad – such as hair & beauty products or specific cultural/religious items. Of course, it is always recommended to check with customs and immigration policies to ensure specific products are allowed into Australia.
Whether this will be your first overseas trip or you have had some experience already, you will probably find that your transition to tertiary study in Australia will be smoothest if you have prepared thoroughly. ACU sends all students a pre-departure guide to assist with preparing for their study abroad program.
Courtesy of Australian Catholic University
Any opinion on how far in advance a student should start preparing/planning to study abroad?
For students wishing to spend a semester or year abroad, it is a good idea to start planning as a freshman. Visit your study abroad office and/or academic advisor to start planning your opportunity to study abroad, and coordinate your study plan to allow for a semester abroad in your specific degree.
However any time is a good time! Research different programs, meet with staff at your home university to discuss study abroad options, and start the planning process now! ACU can always assist with any advice during the planning process.
What kind of student would benefit from a study abroad program?
All students can benefit in one way or another. Study abroad influences personal development, academic quality and experience, intercultural development and awareness, as well as career development and preparation. If you set goals, engage with your host community, and attempt to get the most out of your study abroad experience, the underlying benefits will remain with you for your entire life.
If I decide to study abroad at Australian Catholic University, what should I do next?
Get as much information as you can! Here are some resources which might help:
Download the ACU Study Abroad Guide (PDF 3.3mb)
Visit the ACU International Student Blog
Check out the ACU International Facebook page
Learn more about life in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne
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