#1 Victorian uni for graduate employment1
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#1 Victorian uni for graduate employment1
#1 in the world for sport science2
#1 Victorian uni for course satisfaction3
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‘I spent twelve months in Singapore.’
‘I went to the Arctic north and then visited Copenhagen.’
‘I was living on campus and able to travel in my off weekends all around Europe.’
‘As it came to an end, I was really, really not ready to leave’.
These are snapshots from the experiences of Deakin students who chose to go abroad for their studies, and each tells a unique story. They’re stories of passion, joy and gratitude – of taking a chance to broaden horizons, seek new experiences and grow both academically and spiritually. Understandably, the phrase ‘once in a lifetime’ gets heard a lot in the context of these international study stories.
So, how can you seize a chance to study abroad for yourself? And what far-flung destinations are available to Deakin students? Let’s explore.
There’s more than one way to travel abroad for your studies – and plenty of flexibility to find the best fit for you. With Deakin Abroad, you can choose from four types of international study:
Consider the short-term partner program like a mini exchange or study abroad program. These short-term programs are intensive study periods of one or two units, taken over the June/July break. With these programs, you can spend 2-6 weeks studying at an institution around the world – whether it be in Thailand, Norway, Mexico or beyond.
Called ‘GEL’ for short, the Global Experiential Learning program offers opportunities for work-integrated learning (WIL), and social impact and high achievement internships. GEL tours are 2–6 weeks long and take place in either the June/July break or trimester three. The GEL program is all about helping you prepare for work post-university, and past trips have been to Indonesia, Malaysia, Fiji, Peru and Costa Rica.
Want to really experience what it’s like to live and study overseas? A trimester (or two) abroad could take you to one of Deakin’s 150 partner universities in North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. You get to make friends, dive into a new culture and explore the world – all while earning credit towards your degree back home.
How does an international adventure with 20 of your fellow students sound? While going abroad for studies is usually a solo affair, faculty-led programs are group study tours. You’ll head away on a 2–3-week intensive study trip with a group of like-minded students, led by faculty academic staff, ready to engage with the local community and collaborate on exciting projects.
Ask any Deakin student returning from studying overseas, and they’ll probably tell you that, wherever they travelled, that was the best place to study abroad.
Take it from the students themselves:
‘A year ago I told myself I would make the next year of my life the best one yet and I have exceeded that expectation exponentially. I have travelled to 4 continents and am now in Canada to see my brother get married before heading home for next semester.’ – Max, studying in the UK
‘Overall, exchange in Aarhus was absolutely unforgettable, and truly has been a life-changing experience.’ – Chelsea, studying in Denmark
‘I have always loved travelling, every chance I get to hop on a plane, I take it! So, when I found a program that let me study at a prestigious university and explore a modern Asian country like Singapore, I did not even have to think twice. Studying abroad while already studying abroad? It just sounded too cool to miss.’ – Thuy Linh, studying in Singapore
Whether you’re jetting off for two weeks or two trimesters, there are plenty of benefits to going abroad for your studies Everyone will have different goals and ideal outcomes, but here are some of the things that Deakin students love about studying overseas:
There’s no denying it – travelling the world while you study is a major reason to choose to go abroad for your Deakin studies. You can explore local cuisine, take day trips to world-famous sights, and live amongst a completely different culture in another country, while completing your degree at the same time.
Whether you’re on the job-tailored GEL program or one of Deakin’s other trips, heading abroad for your studies can result in real employment opportunities — and extra juice for your resume. International internships, particularly, are a great way to put university learning into action and develop real-world work skills. Taking the chance to navigate a new experience like going abroad for studies can be a real green flag for future employers.
International study experiences don’t have to end when the trimester is over. These journeys often lead to lifelong connections. Making new friends is great for helping you settle in while overseas, but it’s also a great reason to return after your trip is over.
It’s hard to leave your comfort zone, and spending time overseas – especially alone – might feel daunting. One great benefit of going abroad for your studies is facing these challenges head on, getting into sometimes uncomfortable situations, and coming out stronger on the other side. Just imagine who you might be after a semester in Thailand, Sweden or Canada.
When you go abroad for your studies with Deakin, all your classes will be in English, no matter the country. Living overseas is a great excuse to learn some new language skills, though. Chatting like a local seems like something a student with international study experience would know how to do.
Everyone’s experience of going abroad for their studies will be different, and that’s to be expected. For some, it’ll be a breeze. For others, though, there are some real challenges to studying abroad. These challenges are usually common and rarely insurmountable – especially with International SOS to back you up while overseas.
One common challenge students navigate while overseas is homesickness. Homesickness can be tough, but it’s worth remembering that the feelings usually dissipate on their own in time. If you do find yourself struggling with homesickness on your time away, speaking with friends or academic staff (either at home or wherever you’re studying) or making use of mental health resources is a good idea.
Financing your trip can be another big challenge. Travelling overseas is expensive at the best of times but, for students who most likely can’t work during the study period, it can feel even tougher. Fortunately, the Deakin Abroad team is always available, and there are plenty of grants, scholarships, student support schemes and other opportunities to help fund your trip.
Want to apply to study abroad? Applying is easy and you can do it in just four steps.
Depending on the type of program and your personal circumstances, you might be eligible for a scholarship or other funding. These include the New Colombo Plan for study and internship in the Indo-Pacific region, OS-HELP loans, the WIL Student Support Scheme and country-specific grants and scholarships. Check with the Deakin Abroad team or your Student Central advisor for more information on study abroad scholarships.
Going abroad for your studies is a wonderful opportunity, and it’s a privilege that not everyone is afforded. If you do get the chance to study overseas, just remember that it’s a unique and special time, and one to be cherished. Whether you go for a week or a year, you’ll always have the memories, friends and experiences.
And, if you’re still on the fence, take some words of advice from a Deakin student who has found the benefits of going abroad for studies already. ‘Just take the step. Do it. It’s going to change you for the better.’
