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The Herald Sun
Saturday 7 June 2008
Career section, p.58
by Daniel Hoy
Boost your career: Meaghan Smith spent a semester studying in Indonesia and recommends the experience to others.
Study Overseas to get ahead
The number of Australians studying overseas is on the rise, and many are seeking places and courses that will look impressive on their resume.
A study by the Queensland Government has found that not only is it beneficial for a graduate to have overseas experience, but getting that experience will become more and more crucial for ambitious students in years to come.
International study experience, the government found, is not only appealing to employers but it also helps graduates progress more quickly through the ranks and get international assignments and placements ahead of others.
Marine Hautemont, director of the Australian Institute for Mobility Overseas, says: "The days of simply finishing a degree and expecting to get the job you want are over. "International study experience - student exchanges, short courses, internships and volunteering - is becoming critical for students who want to stand out from the crowd."
Universities themselves are realising this. From next year Melbourne University will join other Australian institutions offering more than $2 million in travel grants to help students get international experience.
Swinburne, Victoria University, Monash, Deakin and RMIT all offer subsidies for students who want to undertake a semester-long exchange program at a partner university overseas.
Meghan Smith is a student who has taken advantage of international study. "Studying overseas opens your mind she says." It shows you a different perspective on life and allows a person to see outside the box."
Smith, who studied for her undergraduate degree at Monash, is now a self-employed photographer. She spent a semester studying at the University of Gajah Mada Yogyakarta in Indonesia, making her one of the 8000 Australian students who go overseas each year to study.
A survey of members by the Australian Exchange Alumni Association (www.axan.com.au) found that, out of more than 300 respondents:
MORE than 70 per cent of students who had studied overseas strongly agree with the statement that their international study has changed their life.
59 PER CENT have been asked questions in interviews about their overseas study.
30 PER CENT say it has "helped them get ahead in their career".
99 PER CENT consider international study "is an important/desired graduate outcome".
90.4 PER CENT agree with the statement "I recommend that every student should try to study overseas at some time".
Marine Hautemont from AIM Overseas says: "If there is a lesson to be learned in this, it is that students and their parents should not think about whether an overseas study experience is worth undertaking, but about exactly what experience is right for them."
AIM Overseas will be at stand 46 at the Herald Sun Melbourne Career Expo (June 20-22) alongside The Scholar Ship. For international study, visit www.aimoverseas.com.au. For more information about the expo, visit www.careerexpo.com.au
23/08/10