Five reasons to study overseas in 2023

There’s so much to the university experience beyond what you learn in the classroom.

It’s the people you meet, the clubs you join, and the independence you gain.

Travel has become a rite of passage for university students, and Swinburne Abroad is here to help make that a reality.

Read on to find out why studying overseas should be on every student’s 2023 bucket list.

Uni is about more than just uni

Our overseas programs provide you with the opportunity to engage in life-changing experiences while advancing your studies.

When else would have the time and support to spend three months living as a local in a beautiful overseas destination? 

Brayden Hunt, a Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Finance) student, completed an exchange program at Swinburne Sarawak in Malaysia. 

"It was easily the best decision I’ve made in my life,” he said. 

“Kuching is a really good location for other travel around Asia, which I did most weekends!”.

Brayden Hunt, a Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Finance) student says studying at Swinburne Sarawak, Malaysia, was the “best decision I’ve made in my life”.

Students travel cheaper

Don’t let the cost of travel stop you from exploring the world! 

There are several funding opportunities to subsidise a study trip overseas.

The OS-HELP Loan could cover more than $8000 depending on the destination and program, added to your HECS-HELP debt to be paid off with the rest of your student loans. 

New Colombo Plan mobility grants can help you take up to $5000 off the cost of certain programs in the Indo-Pacific region. 

Find out more about funding here.

Give your career an international edge

Experience looks great on your resume. International experience looks even better.

Three in four students who completed a Swinburne Abroad program in recent years were asked about the experience in job interviews.

Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) student Madeline Ross undertook an exchange program at Fachhochschule Mainz, Germany, and found it contributed to her creative and professional success.

“The variety and standard of design work that I did overseas has made my folio stand out and helped me find work,” she said.

“It really helped me showcase my versatility and flexibility.” 

Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) student Madeline Ross undertook an exchange program at Fachhochschule Mainz, Germany, and found it contributed to her creative and professional success.

Give your studies a fresh perspective

After two years of lockdowns and intermittent online study, taking your degree abroad can reinvigorate your interest.

It may even introduce new passions, as Bachelor of Design (interior Architecture) student Emma Wakefield discovered while on a Winter Study Abroad program at Barcelona School for International Studies in Spain. 

"My semester abroad and study tour shaped the designer I am today,” she said.

“Design changes drastically depending on what country you’re in, from what the client is expecting to the programs you use to create. 

“Before exchange, I hadn’t been exposed to any retail design, and now it’s my job!" 

Bachelor of Design (interior Architecture) student Emma Wakefield discovered new passions while on a Winter Study Abroad program at Barcelona School for International Studies.

Be immersed in a new language and culture

The best way to learn a new language, or improve the skills you already have, is to be surrounded by it. 

The most effective way to become culturally aware is to experience the culture first-hand. 

Employers are searching for those who can thrive in a multicultural environment, which students who have participated in Swinburne Abroad programs can.

Have we convinced you to start planning your own adventure? Get in contact with Swinburne Abroad to make it happen!