After You Apply

It is compulsory for all Exchange students to attend the Pre-Departure Session. This session will help prepare you for your time abroad, and includes information on cultural adjustment, enrolment, credit transfer, health and safety issues.

Swinburne Abroad will advise you on these matters where possible, but you are responsible for making the necessary bookings and researching visa regulations, etc.

We advise students to make tentative travel arrangements but not to confirm or pay a deposit until you have received official confirmation from your host institution.

Please note that it is a requirement of the Exchange program that you arrive in time for any orientation program at the host university and do not depart until after the end of the examination period.

Accommodation

Where you live will depend on your destination. Some institutions have on campus accommodation and some do not.

For some destinations, such as Japan, it might be possible to live with a homestay family to further immerse yourself in the culture.

All partner institutions have accommodation offices to assist you in finding suitable accommodation.

Visas

Different countries have different visa regulations and requirements. You will need to contact the appropriate Embassy/Consulate to find out the requirements for your host country. Usually you will be required to show official acceptance from your host institution.

Working

Working overseas will depend on the visa regulations of that country. You will need to contact the relevant embassy or consulate to find out whether or not you are able to work while on Exchange.

Almost all countries will limit your working rights if you are on a student visa. Swinburne Abroad does not recommend students work to support themselves while they are abroad, and any work opportunities should be considered carefully and should not impact upon academic performance.

Travel Insurance

All Swinburne Exchange students must have comprehensive travel and medical insurance.

Some partner institutions request students take out a particular insurance, so please check your offer material carefully. If the host university does not have a recommended insurance policy, we recommend that students take out Swinburne University insurance.

Some students will require both the host university insurance and the Swinburne insurance to make sure they are completely covered.

You need to provide evidence of your insurance policy to Swinburne Abroad before you depart.

Travel Plans Before And After Your Exchange

You can travel before and after your Exchange program. If you plan to travel beforehand, make sure you have enough time to receive your official confirmation and obtain your student visa if necessary.

Your Swinburne Enrolment

You will need to meet with your Course Administrator or Student Administrator before you depart and obtain a special International Exchange Program enrolment code.

You will need to liaise with your Administrator once you've arrived at your host institution to confirm your host institution enrolment details or to make changes to your enrolment if necessary.

You must still pay your Swinburne General Service Fee while you are on Exchange. This is the basis of the Exchange. In effect you are creating a place for an incoming Exchange student and in return you are not required to pay the amenities fee at the host institution.

Your Host Enrolment

This will be explained to you in your offer materials from the host institution or during your orientation at the host institution. You are responsible for ensuring your enrolment at the host institution is correct so that your credit will transfer back to Swinburne.

On completion of your Exchange semester Swinburne Abroad receives your results. These are taken, together with your Course Approval Form to the relevant school/department.

Your International Student Exchange subject will receive a complete or incomplete result and you will receive exemptions for the approved Swinburne equivalent subjects.

Your Swinburne transcript will refer to your host institution transcript.

The maximum Exchange period is two semesters. If you applied for one semester and then would like to stay on, you will need to contact Swinburne Abroad for approval.

It is not always possible to extend, but if you are considering staying on you should contact Swinburne Abroad as soon as possible to increase your chances.

Students may need to submit an additional Study Plan form to gain approval from academics for subjects to be taken.

It is important to remember that while you are abroad you are an ambassador of Swinburne. Therefore, it is imperative that you act responsibly and behave appropriately. Students who do not conform to both Swinburne and host institution standards whilst on exchange may be withdrawn from the program.

Whilst on exchange you may be required to promote Swinburne as a destination for the host students. It is important that you are knowledgeable about Swinburne and able to answer any questions students may have.

You may also be required to provide Swinburne Abroad with information regarding your study and life abroad for use in promotional materials.

Upon your return you need to contact the Swinburne Abroad Office.

In order to officially complete your Exchange program you must submit a Returning Exchange Student Final Evaluation survey, and a Returning Exchange Student Essay, outlining your Exchange experiences. Both future students and Swinburne Abroad staff will learn a great deal from your feedback.

You will also need to contact your School Administrator to ensure that your credit is transferred appropriately.

As a returned Exchange student you are expected to assist Swinburne Abroad with promotion of the Exchange program, including speaking at information sessions and assisting with Open Day promotion.