Exchange: Everything you need to know
Going on an overseas exchange for a minimum of 12 credit points for either semester 2 in second year or 1st semester third year is compulsory to complete the BIGS degree, but isn't that half the reason we chose the degree? The possibility of studying in England, America or somewhere in Europe or Asia to improve our foreign language skills is super exciting! But the organising to go on exchange is not all excitement so this guide is here to help you out.
Most of this information is on the USYD exchange info pages but this guide is specific to you and is written from a more personal experience perspective, of course you must read the information on those pages as well.
FYI: Don't forget you need a credit average to be allowed to go on exchange and therefore to complete your degree, don't rely on 'just passing'!
Application Process:
- You need to apply a year before you intend to depart on exchange:
- Attending Exchange Information & Application Sessions is compulsory
To be eligible to receive an Exchange Application, you will need to attend at least one talk from Part 1 - Topical Information Session and one talk from Part 2 - Exchange Application Session. The application kits are only given out at the Part 2 - Exchange Application Sessions.
Part 1 - General Information Sessions - attend at least one
Part 2 - Exchange Application Sessions - attend at least on
- The application process involves answering a few questions about why you want to go on exchange and submitting an 'academic study plan' (units of study) for a preference list of 4-5 universities each.
These are the questions:
1. What are your reasons for pursuing an overseas study experience?
2. How does an overseas study experience fit in with your academic and career goals?
3. Highlight the key criteria that drew you to your preferred host university
4. Highlight briefly the reasons behind the selection of each of your alternative preferences.
5. What have you learnt from your engagement with cultural groups other than your own? Highlight any involvement with multicultural organisations, etc
6. When you are on exchange, you are an ambassador for the University of Sydney and Australia. What does that mean to you and how can you demonstrate your ambassadorial qualities in practical ways?
7. Do you have any other comments to add in support of your application?
- At USYD you'll simply be enrolled in 'exchange units' but you have to find the units of study available at your chosen university through your chosen university's websites
- Your application process should almost certainly be accepted given that you're enrolled in INGS
- You must complete the Academic Approval Form for Nominated Exchange StudentThe Academic Approval Form for Nominated Exchange Student (pdf) is to be used to finalise actual units to be credited on exchange. Completed forms must be submitted to your home faculty at least four weeks prior to the start of your exchange or prior to your departure from Australia, whichever is earlier.
The information is available here:
http://sydney.edu.au/current_students/student_exchange/how_it_works.shtml
http://sydney.edu.au/current_students/student_exchange/how_to_apply.shtml
Planning for exchange
Finance:
- It is recommended that you save between $7000-10,000, expenses will vary depending on location
For example, a student who went to London for exchange suggested bringing $10,000
- If that sounds a little challenging to you, you have two options:
1. Apply for scholarships
Check the USYD scholarships page (actually, bookmark this page), government scholarships from the country you are visiting, your host university scholarships or other scholarship providers (e.g banks, charities) for overseas study scholarships.
E.g. Marion Mauclay and James Wolfenson Travelling Scholarships
- http://sydney.edu.au/scholarships/updates/now_open.shtml
- http://australia.gov.au/topics/education-and-training/scholarships
2. OS(overseas)-HELP
If you are a Commonwealth Supported Student using the HECS system you may apply for an OS-HELP loan which will be added to your HECS debt
See: http://studyassist.gov.au/sites/studyassist/helppayingmyfees/os-help_overseas_study/pages/os-help-loans-and-study-overseas
If you receive any study assist payments from CENTRELINK you are able to continue getting your payment overseas so long as you let them know the details or your trip and the documents proving study is your reason of departing (e.g acceptance letter) prior to your departure. You may also be eligible for extra accommodation benefit if you fill out some extra paperwork, best to go see them in person.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/austudy
(Managing your payment > Austudy while travelling outside Australia)
Accommodation:
- Generally students choose to either stay in student accommodation if provided by the host university or nearby hotels, hostels etc. so this will just take a bit or research on your part
General Advice:
- For obvious reasons the INGS staff will suggest that you go to a country where the language you selected is spoken. But there are certainly other benefits of studying in America, Canada or England depending on where you want to go with your degree/career. Explore your options!
Things to do:
- Once you have been accepted by the host university, you will most likely be very excited and eager to get going. Before you leave, there are a large number of matters you must attend to.
- purchasing your airline ticket;
- making sure you have a current passport which will not expire while you are away;
- applying for your student visa;
- organising your finances;
- organising additional travel and health insurance if the University's cover is insufficient (e.g if you stay behind or go to a different country after your exchange is completed);
- getting required vaccinations;
- making sure you have your accommodation settled (both temporary and permanent);
- reading up on your destination - the country, city and host university;
- reading up on information about Australia for your ambassadorial opportunities while on exchange;
- brushing up on language skills (if required); and
- organising what to pack.
- MUST attend pre-departure session
See: http://sydney.edu.au/current_students/student_exchange/predeparture.shtml#pre
On Exchange
- You only need to pass your units while on exchange so as to get a 'satisfactory' grade on your USYD transcript so don't stress too much, enjoy yourself and immerse yourself in the local culture and cheesy tourist attractions!
- However, that being said, there may be good opportunities if you make your grades stand out so don't slack on keeping up with work.
- Exchange Experience Evaluation 1
Exchange Experience Evaluation 1 (electronic form version) is due one month after exchange period commences.
(This is an electronic form - you may save changes and email this form back to your Exchange Adviser)
- Exchange Experience Evaluation 2
Exchange Experience Evaluation 2 (electronic form version) is due one month prior to the end of the exchange period.
(This is an electronic form - you may save changes and email this form back to your Exchange Adviser)
When you return
- Post-Exchange Credit Transfer
The Post-Exchange Credit Transfer Form (pdf) must be submitted to your home faculty after exchange period is concluded. Results cannot be transferred without this form. This forms only applies for students in the Faculties of Agriculture and Environment; Arts & Social Sciences; Health Science and Science.
See: http://sydney.edu.au/current_students/student_exchange/forms_downloads.shtml
