Study Abroad A Semester in Leicester Author: Sarah Dunn The Flinders University study abroad program provides students with the wonderful and invaluable opportunity to live and study overseas. Studying abroad is an amazing yet challenging opportunity. Overseas study allows you the chance to make life-long friends, immerse yourself in a diverse culture, sample amazing cuisine, learn another language, and develop a new way of living and learning. It also vastly improves your employment prospects by demonstrating your ability to learn skills in a new environment, and gives you the chance to explore and fall in love with another country.
How does Study Abroad work? Flinders University has 80 partner universities from 32 countries. The most appropriate time to do an exchange as part of your law degree is generally during your third or fourth year. Students from other disciplines are encouraged to study abroad earlier in their degree. There are many Study Abroad options available. You can undertake one of the intensive law electives to either China or India, or a short term, semester, or year-long exchange. I did an exchange to Leicester University in the UK for one semester in 2013. I studied one law elective (International and European Union law) and two history topics, as part of my international studies degree. I lived in oncampus accommodation in a nearby student village, and took part in many extra-curricular activities offered by the university.
How to apply for Study Abroad? The Flinders University website has details about the GPA requirements for full time students wishing to study abroad.
Planning Ahead
It also outlines the five steps in applying to study abroad: 1. Complete a study plan approval form; 2. Write a 500 word statement; 3. Obtain a written reference from two Flinders Academic staff members; 4. Complete a financial plan; and 5. Apply online.
What will I study? You have the chance to study topics not offered by Flinders University. You chose choose to study solely law topics, or depending on the exchange agreement, you may study topics from another degree. If you are going to a country where English is not the first language, do not be concerned, as many institutions teach topics in English.
How much does Study Abroad cost? You should not let cost be a deterrent from studying abroad. There are a wide range of options to help students financially including: t $500 Short Term International Mobility Scholarship t $1,000 Flinders University International Exchange Scholarship t $2,500 Phil Hoffman Travel Undergraduate Scholarship t OS-Help loan (up to $6,000) t Various country-specific scholarships and grants Although it depends on your destination and the duration of your stay, most students budget around $8,000-$10,000 for one semester. It is important to research the living costs of your destination, and work out an approximate financial budget.
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Where can I get further information? Your first stop for information should be to visit the Flinders University ‘Student Exchange and Study Abroad’ website. Have a look online for when information sessions are being held, how you can register for further information, and read about past student experiences. If you would like to talk to someone in person, you can contact the student mobility staff in the International Centre, in the Registry Building (opposite the Sports Centre). If you would prefer to talk to other students, you can join the group ‘Flinders Without Borders’ on Facebook to meet other students who have studied abroad, who can give you valuable advice and share their stories with you.
The benefits Travelling and studying abroad gives you a greater ‘global mindset.’ Not only are you experiencing different cultures and meeting new people, but these opportunities give you the chance to see how other people live their lives and enable you to enrich your own life. Study abroad facilitates your journey into adulthood. I urge every student to undertake the invaluable chance to study overseas. Remember, life is an adventure, so take the risk and study abroad.