The International Studies program introduces students to languages and cultures of the non-English-speaking world and teaches them about contemporary societies in East and South-East Asia, Europe and Latin America. The programs at undergraduate level provide opportunities for students to study overseas for an academic year at an institution of higher education in the country of their International Studies major. At postgraduate level, the MA in International Studies by coursework also provides the possibility of study overseas for one semester.

The key element in the International Studies program is a period of study overseas. In preparation for this, the study of the language and culture, contemporary society, and political and economic structure of the relevant country is necessary.

In the International Studies program, students study one of the following countries or majors: Canada (Québec), Chile, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Latino USA, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland or Thailand. There are two other majors available that permit students to pursue programs of study about and in countries where other arrangements have not already been made. The Heritage major permits students with significant prior knowledge of a particular language and culture to continue their study in countries such as Croatia, Greece, Hong Kong, Korea, Poland, Russia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam and others. The Independent Study major is available where a language is taught in Sydney and a program of In-country study can be arranged.

Australia and the Asia–Pacific is only available as a major to international students. International students may access one of the other majors offered, provided that the country they choose as their major is able to grant them a visa to study there. This needs to be determined prior to commencing subjects within the International Studies major. If a visa cannot be granted, it will not be possible to undertake the chosen major.

Structure of the International Studies program
In-country Study