Study abroad

Options

SHORT EXCHANGE:

Two to three weeks’ duration, offering cultural opportunities, exposure to international industry and the chance to spend time in a classroom at the host college. Short exchanges are fun, interesting and exhausting! 

SEMESTER ABROAD:

You enrol in formal classes at a host college, and depending on your visa you can also choose to work abroad to supplement your savings. You may receive credit for academic courses you complete on the exchange, live the lifestyle of students in the host country, and make new friends for life. 

STUDY TOUR:

A study tour is an intensive international study program, giving you the opportunity to fast track your study and gain some international experience. Programs are generally two to three weeks in duration and may allow you to gain credit in one or two subjects. 

COMMUNITY SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS:

Offers you an experience that combines service with structured learning through the execution of a local community service project in local or overseas communities.

GLOBAL LEARNING PROJECTS:

Students from our GEN partners study together and work collaboratively in a team on a project, with representatives from all visiting colleges. The training can focus on project management, sustainability, customer service or a variety of other topics that will add value to your current enrolment and CV.

Cost

If accepted into an exchange program, you will be responsible for the following expenses:

• Passport
• Visa (if required)
• Accommodation and meals
• Textbooks and course materials (if required)
• Personal incidentals

Costs vary for each destination and will depend on your personal choices and budget. You will find out more about living costs and other expenses during your pre-departure meeting.

Classwork

Short exchanges usually run during scheduled holiday periods to minimise the amount of class work you miss. We recognise the incredible opportunity for personal growth through exposure to international culture, college, classes and industry, and happily allow you time away from class during the exchange.

For semester abroad programs, we match our host colleges’ curriculum to ensure credit can be given at the completion of the exchange. Where there are gaps in the curriculum, a project may be negotiated for completion during the semester abroad.

Student Eligibility

To participate in our exchange program, you need to:

• be enrolled as a Box Hill Institute student at the time of application and the exchange period
• be 18+ years old
• be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia
• have completed at least two semesters of study (for six-month exchanges only)
• participate fully in orientation activities

How to Apply

1. Register your interest with the Study Abroad Office.
2. Research your options through GEN college websites and the Study Abroad Office.
3. Complete and submit an application form (see below) by the deadline.
4. Participate in the interview process and determine eligibility for scholarship funding.
5. Attend a pre-departure orientation program.

How Students are Chosen

Your application will include:

• A personal statement outlining your motivation for applying for the exchange
• An official Box Hill Institute academic transcript
• Your capacity to support yourself during the exchange
• Information on your career, study and extracurricular achievements, goals and motivations
• Personal skills

Your application must be submitted by the closing date.

We assess this information before a selection panel interviews a shortlist of applicants.

Before we announce the successful applicants, we contact their referees. We inform all applicants in writing of the outcome of their application/interview.

Financial Aid

Check with the Study Abroad Office to check if an exchange scholarship is currently available.

Pre-Departure Sessions

Pre-departure sessions help you to prepare for your time overseas and support you in completing your travel arrangements. It is compulsory to attend the pre-departure sessions. For groups of students travelling together, the sessions are a great way to get to know people within the group. The sessions also offer an opportunity to develop cultural awareness and adjustment skills, negotiate course content and consider health and safety issues.

Sessions cover a variety of information, including:

• Costs involved
• Scholarships
• Working overseas
• Visas
• Passports
• Your program
• Accommodation
• Banking
• Your responsibilities on exchange

Each pre-departure program is customised to suit the group of participants. You can also request an individual appointment to discuss specific details.

Contact Us

Building E3, Elgar Campus

465 Elgar Road, Box Hill Institute

Phone: (03) 9286 9601

Email: gen@boxhill.edu.au

The Study Abroad Office assists with:

• Scholarship funding to help with travel expenses for eligible students
• Compulsory pre-departure orientation program for participants
• Liaison with the exchange institution regarding enrolment, assessment and accommodation
• Communication with the host institution about accommodation and travel arrangements
• Ongoing contact with our administrative and academic staff for the duration of the exchange.