As part of the requirements of the course, students are expected to complete a semester overseas, either studying at one of ACU’s international university partners (GLST301, GLST302, GLST303 & GLST304 ) or undertaking a 10-12-week international internship (GLST300). Both options are worth 40cp towards your degree.

Studying or interning overseas will help you to become more globally aware.  You will be able to learn in a global context, develop work-ready skills, grow as an individual and build your CV.  There is more information available on our LEO site .  You can self-enrol into the site if you are not currently enrolled in it.

Semester Study Abroad Program

You can choose to study abroad for a semester at one of ACU’s partner universities.  You will undertake the equivalent of 40cp of units at the partner organisation.  Note that you need to have completed 120cp of study and have a GPA of 4.5 to undertake this program.   Click here to find out more about the study abroad program, which is managed through ACU International.

The contact email for study abroad: studyabroad@acu.edu.au

OR

Global Studies International Internship Program

The internship involves work experience overseas where you can apply your university learning in the real world. The experience needs to be 10-12 weeks fulltime. You are also required to undertake some studying and assessments prior to, during and post your internship.  You need to have completed 120cp of study, must apply in December of the previous year and must have your application approved by the Faculty of Education and Arts well before your departure.

The contact email for internships is: FEA.GlobalStudies@acu.edu.au

Working with Children and Police Checks

Those students participating in the Global Studies International Internship Program must obtain background checks as required by Federal and State/Territory laws if their proposed work might involve working with children.

Please refer to ACU’s webpage for requirements in your local State or Territory.

Your application for the Internship should include evidence of the relevant Federal and/or State working with children and police checks, where relevant. You may also require further checks as stipulated by your host country or organisation for internship programs undertaken overseas.

How does the international experience fit into the degree?

Global Studies students are expected to undertake an international experience during the degree.  See the course map to see where it is scheduled.

These times are not changed easily as they need to fit in with your full degree structure and allow you to apply for certain types of funding.

First-Year Global Studies Students:  

• Watch out for emails about information sessions and make sure that you attend them or listen to them online
• Start thinking about where you would like to go and whether you would want to study abroad or undertake an internship.
• Work hard so that you maintain a GPA of more than 4.5. Our international partner universities require study abroad students to have a minimum GPA of 4.5.
• While some of your costs will be covered, there may be additional costs associated with your living expenses or internship.

Second-Year Students:

• Watch out for emails about information sessions and make sure that you attend them or listen to them online.
• Identify a couple of partner universities if you want to study abroad
  OR 
  Identify possible internships or organisations you might undertake an internship with, if you want to do an internship.
• After learning all you can about the process, start getting all your documentation together in the second semester of the year prior to your international experience.
• Apply for study abroad/the international internship program in December prior to the year you mean to undertake the international experience.
• Obtain a Working with Children Check if required.

Third-Year Students (Feb intake)/Third-Fourth Year Students (Midyear Intake):

• Obtain sign-off on all documentation.
• Internship students undertake course work prior to undertaking their internship.
• Go on your experience, work hard, learn about other countries and people, have fun.

Costs and Funding

There will be several additional costs associated with the overseas exchange or internship that are not covered by your fees, for example, accommodation, food, additional travel and airfares.  If you use an organisation to find you an internship, they may also charge you.  Please ensure that you save for these and/or apply for appropriate funding.  The information sessions that you will attend will provide you with additional information on funding options.

Global Studies students may be eligible for a Vice-Chancellor’s travel grant of $2500 to help cover some of these costs (conditions apply). Australian Government New Colombo Plan Mobility Grants may be available for some internships.

Global Studies students may also apply for a government OS HELP loan to cover costs. This loan is incorporated into your student loan.

Students unable to undertake Study Abroad or an International Internship

Students who are unable to study abroad or undertake an international internship need to apply for a variation of enrolment using the special consideration form. This will be due at the time that students are normally required to submit their travel abroad forms.  You should submit the completed form to FEA.GlobalStudies@acu.edu.au.