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Experience: your overseas study
Preparing to go overseas and how to access everything you need while you’re there.
- Getting ready
- Enrolling in your units
- While you’re away
Getting ready
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Experience
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Visa and travel plans
Passport
Before travelling abroad, you will need a valid passport. Make sure your passport has at least six months validity from your planned date of return. For further information, visit the Australian Passport Office or relevant foreign consulate (non-citizens) online.
Travel and visas
We strongly advise you to only make travel arrangements after you have received your acceptance from the host institution and you have the required visa or travel permit for your host country(ies). Some countries have specific entry and exit requirements. You are responsible for checking the visa requirements, including compulsory vaccinations of countries you might be transiting. Find out early which visas you need by contacting the relevant foreign mission (embassy, high commission or consulate) of the countries you intend to visit. If you intend to travel beyond your nominated host country whilst you are overseas, please ensure you organise the appropriate travel documents for those other countries. Depending on the conditions of your student visa, you may or may not be eligible to work in your host country.
Smartraveller
See the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website for helpful travel information including:
- travel advice for your destination - including local laws and customs, entry and exit requirements, health issues, and an indicative rating of the security situation in your host location
- studying overseas
- passports and visas
- topical travel tips such as insurance, dual nationality, voting while overseas, and so on
- registering your presence with an Australian Embassy overseas
Finding accommodation abroad
Information about accommodation at your host institution is available under the ‘Student Life’ tab of each program page. Accommodation options vary considerably and may be on campus in shared rooms or dormitories, either with local students or with other exchange students, or off campus through affiliated organisations. Ensure you research all available options carefully prior to departure to decide what is best for your personal needs and budget. Do not sign a contract or pay a deposit until you have received your acceptance from the host university, and ensure you understand the conditions of your accommodation contract, as well as your rights and obligations.
Your accommodation abroad will be your home away from home and it is important that you are comfortable, safe and can rest adequately. Some important considerations include, but are not limited to:
- Location - what public transport is available? is it a safe neighbourhood? will it be noisy?
- Roommates - private room or shared? mixed? can you contact potential roommates prior to arrival?
- Study space
- Cooking and washing facilities
- Utilities - are they included?
- Meal plans
- Rules - is there a curfew? is smoking permitted? etc.
- Bedding, towels and utensils - will you have to purchase these?
- Host families - what are the standards of selection and screening?
- Early exit - what are the conditions should you wish to move out prior to your contract ending
Pre-departure health and wellbeing
Mild physical or psychological disorders can become serious under the stresses of life while studying overseas. While you are under no obligation to share your health information, letting your Sydney program coordinator know about any pre-existing medical conditions (physical or mental health) which might affect you in an international study context, can help us support your overseas experience effectively.
We recommend you visit your healthcare professionals (eg. GP, dentist, optometrist, psychologist) well in advance of your departure for a health check up and to obtain further information on any recommended vaccinations for your host country, and how these may interact with any medication you regularly take.
Last updated: 18 October 2022
