International Studies program
Language and Culture programs
In-country Study
Comparative Social Change and Contemporary Society
Special arrangements

The Institute for International Studies is concerned with the study of comparative social change and cultural diversity, particularly in East Asia, South-East Asia, the Americas and Europe.

The Institute is both a teaching and a research institution, responsible for the coordination of International Studies at UTS and the implementation of its own teaching programs. Its activities are:

• teaching the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, which can be combined with most other Bachelor's level degrees at UTS
• teaching language and culture programs other than English
• supervising research for the PhD and MA in International Studies
• supervising research for the PhD and MA in China Studies through the medium of Chinese
• teaching the Bachelor of Arts in International Business Studies in collaboration with the Faculty of Business (this degree is available only to international students)
• teaching the Graduate Diploma in International Studies and the coursework MA in International Studies
• conducting research on issues relevant to International Studies – particularly cultural diversity and comparative social change – and language teaching and language curriculum development
• managing the international exchange student scheme for UTS
• providing an advisory service to business and government, and
• cooperating with other parts of the University to promote UTS and the international aspect of its activities.

The Institute has a Board of Studies with representation from each faculty at UTS. The Chair of the Board of Studies is the Deputy Chair of the Academic Board. The Institute also has an Advisory Council whose most important function is to link the Institute with the wider world, particularly government agencies and the business community.

Contact the Institute at:

International Studies program

Technological change, the emergence of a more integrated world and the movement of people during the second half of the 20th century have dramatically increased the importance of the international dimensions of our lives. These factors continue to impact on our lives at the start of the 21st century. In all aspects of life and work, contemporary graduates need to be aware of the wider world. UTS aims to enhance its graduates' understanding of other cultures and societies through the International Studies program.

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 the Americas. 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. The International Studies program requires both undergraduate students and postgraduate by coursework students to follow a single major – a specialisation in a particular country or region.

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 also 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.

International students may apply to undertake any of the combined degrees with International Studies, or the postgraduate coursework program. International students follow the same program as local students do, and may access any of the 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 for the student to undertake the chosen major.

Students are admitted to the International Studies program with no guarantee of entry to a specific major, although every effort is made to meet students' preferences. The Institute reserves the right to allocate places in majors according to its resources and arrangements with overseas universities.

In general, the International Studies programs have no prior language requirements, except for programs within the Heritage major.

Each student's choice of major and subjects requires the approval of the Board of Studies of the Institute for International Studies.

In exceptional circumstances (see Special arrangements), students may, with the approval of the Board of Studies of the Institute for International Studies, vary the designated subjects in their International Studies major. See the lists of approved alternative subjects for undergraduate students, and for postgraduate students.

Language and Culture programs

The Institute for International Studies organises the teaching of languages other than English for all UTS students.

UTS students can access Language and Culture subjects in one of the following ways:

• as part of an undergraduate combined degree or as part of the Postgraduate Coursework Degree Program in International Studies
• as a sub-major within a degree where this option is available
• as elective subjects in any other UTS degree, with faculty approval, or
• as non-award subjects.

Students are encouraged to study a language other than English, not only to gain a communication tool, but also to gain an understanding of another culture and society. The International Studies program does not usually give exemptions for any previous study of languages. The Language and Culture subjects admit students at different levels and are able to meet various levels of linguistic competence in order to enhance each student's communicative ability.

UTS students who wish to engage in Language and Culture studies, but not for credit to a degree, are admitted as fee-paying, non-award students. Students from other institutions can enrol in Language and Culture subjects as cross-institutional students; to do so they should contact the Institute before the relevant deadline. Application forms for non-award or cross-institutional enrolment may also be downloaded from the UTS website.

All students intending to take Language and Culture studies as part of their degree need to enrol through the Institute, even if the language concerned is not taught on a UTS campus. At UTS, students can study Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish or Thai. Greek, Indonesian, Korean and Russian are offered to UTS students through arrangements that have been made with other universities. In addition, it is possible for individual arrangements to be made with other universities to enable UTS students to study a language at a higher level than that offered at UTS or to study additional languages depending on availability.

In all cases, classes are only taught at UTS if student numbers permit. In some cases, students may need to travel to other university campuses in the Sydney area.

Language and Culture subjects are an important part of the International Studies program. They are designed to prepare UTS students for further study in the country of their International Studies major.

Enrolment procedures for language subjects

Combined degree students in the International Studies program and students in the Postgraduate Coursework Degree Program are required to enrol in Language and Culture subjects as noted on their study plan.

Other UTS students who wish to study a Language and Culture subject as a credited sub-major or elective(s) in their current degree need to obtain approval from their faculty before they enrol in the subject.

All students undertaking language and culture study at UTS for the first time need to complete a level assessment form, obtained from the Institute, to ensure that they are placed in an appropriate level for classes. The Institute for International Studies reserves the right to place students in a class that is appropriate for their level of language proficiency.

The procedure for students who wish to take Institute subjects as electives or sub-majors is as follows.

1. Submit an E-Request to your faculty for permission to study Institute subjects. If approved, this subject will be added to your study plan.
2. Once approved, the faculty will forward the E-Request to the Institute to process. You will need to complete a language level assessment form for the Institute before being able to enrol into the subject.

Students intending to take International Studies subjects as electives or sub-majors are advised to contact their faculty and the Institute at the earliest opportunity during the enrolment period.

Credit points and workload

All Language and Culture subjects are taught over one semester and have a value of 8 credit points. Most Language and Culture subjects taught on UTS campuses consist of six contact hours per week. Languages taught through arrangements with other universities normally consist of four to six contact hours per week distributed across two or three days.

To cater for the different needs of students, each Language and Culture program has different points of entry depending on a student's language skills. Beginner levels necessarily concentrate more on basic communication skills; the higher levels introduce students to literature and culture in the language of study.

Students who start a language at beginners' level on their entry to the International Studies program can expect to acquire survival language skills for their period of in-country study, and to lay a strong foundation for further language acquisition after graduation.

Students with competence in a language they intend to study are admitted to the Language and Culture subjects at a higher level to reflect their ability in that language. These students are expected to improve their existing skills in speaking, comprehension, reading and writing. Through the process of language acquisition, students are also encouraged to obtain an insight into the relevant culture.

Students in the International Studies program follow a specific Language and Culture program by enrolling in a series of subjects – four for undergraduates in a combined degree with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and at least two for postgraduates in the Postgraduate Coursework Degree Program in International Studies. The units of instruction attended by students are determined by the individual's level of language proficiency. All individual choices of units of instruction are subject to the approval of the Board of Studies of the Institute for International Studies.

In exceptional circumstances students with advanced competence in a language may be exempted from further language study but are required to substitute alternative subjects. Further details are provided under the regulations for Special arrangements. Any amendments to the individual student's International Studies program are subject to the approval of the Board of Studies of the Institute for International Studies.

In-country Study

When?
Where?
What?
Costs
Admission to In-country Study
Requisites
Content and assessment
Conditions of participation for In-country Study
Partner universities hosting In-country Study programs
Academic support and pastoral care
Alternative arrangements

In-country Study is a key component of both the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and the coursework Master of Arts in International Studies. It provides a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the language and culture of another country through a learning program at a host university, through involvement in the life of the local community, and through assignments which are supervised by the Institute.

When?

Students taking the combined degree with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies must spend two semesters of study at a university or other higher education institution in the country of their major. In-country Study is usually taken in the fourth year of a combined degree. Students taking the Master of Arts in International Studies may spend one semester of study in the country of their major.

Where?

All In-country Study is taken in countries where English is not the predominant language. In-country Study is organised by the Institute in over 40 universities in Canada (Québec), Chile, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Latino USA, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland and Thailand. It may be possible for students to study in other countries through either the Heritage major (if students have significant prior knowledge of a particular language and culture) or the Independent Study major (if there is access to the necessary university-level language studies in Sydney).

What?

Each student's individual study program depends on their level of language competence and the subjects and other learning experiences that are available at their host university. All students must also complete assignments which are assessed by staff of the Institute.

Costs

In-country Study 1 and In-country Study 2 are full-credit subjects at UTS for which the Student Contribution is payable at undergraduate level. Students receiving student financial support in Australia are still eligible to receive it while they are engaged in the period of In-country Study.

The costs of tuition at overseas universities and of travel between Sydney and the student's place of study are paid by UTS, except in cases where a scholarship has been awarded to a student with provision for these costs. Visa fees are also paid by UTS and students are covered by the UTS Overseas Insurance Policy. Students undertaking the Heritage major or Independent Study major may be required to bear some of the tuition costs at the overseas university.

Students pay the costs of accommodation and other living expenses during their period of In-country Study. Students should be aware that the living costs vary from country to country and that in some countries living costs are high. The UTS medical service is available to students for medical examinations for visas, vaccinations and other country-specific health advice.

Admission to In-country Study

Under normal circumstances, students can only proceed to a period of In-country Study within the International Studies program after they have successfully completed all earlier stages in the degree program. Students who have not successfully completed all earlier stages may proceed to a period of In-country Study only with the permission of both the Dean of the faculty in which their degree is based and the Director of the Institute for International Studies.

Requisites

Before undertaking the subject In-country Study 1, students need to have successfully completed the required subjects in their International Studies program. These subjects are listed under their major code in the Study Package Directory.

Before undertaking In-country Study 2, students need to have successfully completed In-country Study 1.

Content and assessment

Students with a basic level of language competence usually follow a program of study which continues to develop their knowledge and understanding of the host country's language and culture. Those whose level of language competence is adequate, study subjects related to the development of the contemporary society – history, economics, politics, society and culture – of the host country alongside students from that country. Those whose level of language competence and understanding of local culture is close to that of a native speaker may choose freely from a wide range of subjects with the approval of the host university and the Institute for International Studies.

In all cases, students undertake a reduced study load at the host institution. In addition to the classes attended, all students are expected to complete assignments administered by the Institute for International Studies, and these, together with a satisfactory report from the host institution, are the basis for assessment.

Any study undertaken at the host university during the two semesters of In-country Study is part of the In-country Study experience. Students may not credit any subjects completed at their host university during the period of In-country Study towards the professional component of their combined degree.

Conditions of participation for In-country Study

Before students engage in a period of In-country Study, they may be required to meet appropriate financial and enrolment requirements. They are also required to agree to be governed by the Institute's Conditions of Participation for the period of In-country Study and to abide by the rules and regulations of the host institution and the laws of the host country. The Conditions of Participation are as follows:

'As a student of UTS participating in a period of In-country Study within the International Studies program, I understand that I remain subject to the rules and regulations of UTS and undertake to:

1. accept financial responsibility for all personal expenses, including accommodation and food, during the period of In-country Study
2. meet all academic requirements that precede the period of In-country Study
3. abide by the Regulations for In-country Study travel arrangements as set out by the Institute for International Studies
4. participate in any pre-departure preparation specified by the Institute for International Studies
5. advise the appropriate faculty and the Institute of any changes in an academic program while overseas in accordance with applicable UTS dates and the guidelines of the Institute for International Studies
6. arrange for UTS Students' Association fees to be paid each semester during the period of In-country Study
7. abide by advice from the Student Administration Unit regarding HECS payments, re-enrolment proxies and examination assessments
8. abide by the laws of the host country
9. abide by the regulations of the host institution
10. behave personally and professionally in an appropriate manner for a representative of UTS, and
11. consult with staff of the Institute for International Studies and advisers at the host institution should any problems arise in relation to academic or other matters during the period of In-country Study.

I understand that failure to abide by these conditions may result in disciplinary action.'

Partner universities hosting In-country Study programs

Canada (Québec)

Université Laval, Québec City

Chile

Pontifica Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), Santiago

Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Valparaiso

China

Zhejiang University, Hangzhou

Yunnan Normal University, Kunming

Shanxi University, Taiyuan

Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin

France

Université Michel de Montaigne Bordeaux 3, Bordeaux

Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, Caen

Institut National des Télécommunications, Evry

Université Lumière Lyon 2, Lyon

Université de Poitiers, Poitiers

Université de Reims, Champagne-Ardennes, Reims

Université Rennes 2 – Haute Bretagne, Rennes

Université Robert Schuman, Strasbourg

Université de Toulon et du Var, Toulon

Université de la Nouvelle Calédonie, Nouméa

Germany

Universität Duisburg–Essen, Duisburg

Georg-Augustus Universität Göttingen, Göttingen

Universität Hamburg, Hamburg

Universität Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe

Universität Konstanz, Konstanz

Universität Potsdam, Potsdam

Universität Regensburg, Regensburg

Universität des Saarlands, Saarbrücken

Universität Tübingen, Tübingen

Indonesia

Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta

Italy

Libera Università di Lingue e Comunicazione IULM, Milan

Politecnico di Milano, Milan

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan

Università degli studi dell'Aquila, L'Aquila

Università degli studi di Bergamo, Bergamo

Università degli studi di Bologna, Bologna

Università degli studi di Catania, Catania

Università degli studi di Ferrara, Ferrara

Università degli studi di Genova, Genoa

Università degli studi di Lecce, Lecce

Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena

Università degli studi di Trieste, Trieste

Japan

Gifu University, Gifu

Hokkaido University of Education, Hakodate Campus, Hakodate, Hokkaido

Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Kyushu

Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, Kyoto

Kyushu Institute of Technology, Kitakyushu, Kyushu

Nishogakusha University, Kashiwa, Chiba

Obirin University, Machida, Tokyo

Okinawa University, Naha, Okinawa

Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka

Tokyo Institute of Technology, O-okayama, Tokyo

Sapporo University, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Yamanashi University, Kofu, Yamanashi

Yokohama National University, Yokohama

Latino USA

San Diego State University

University of Arizona, Tucson

University of Miami, Florida

University of Texas, Austin

Malaysia

Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Borneo

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak

Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang

Mexico

Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara

Universdad de las Américas, Puebla

El Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITSEM), Monterrey

Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa

Spain

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona

Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid

Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, Madrid

Universidad de Cantabria, Santander

Universidad de Granada, Granada

Universidad de La Rioja, Logroño

Universidad de Málaga, Málaga

Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona

Universidad Pública de Navarra, Pamplona

Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca

University Alfonso X El Sabio, Villanueva de la Cañada (Madrid area)

Switzerland

Université de Lausanne, Lausanne

Universität Zürich, Zürich

Universität Berne, Berne

Thailand

Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen

The Institute reserves the right to make alterations to the location and content of any program of In-country Study at any time.

Academic support and pastoral care

In-country academic advisers from each host university assist the Institute's staff in monitoring students' progress and provide academic support and pastoral care. At the end of each semester of In-country Study, the host university reports to the Institute on each student's progress. Country coordinators from the Institute for International Studies visit each student at least once during their in-country placement and regular contact is maintained with students and with the host universities' academic advisers.

Before departure, students receive both a subject outline and a detailed study guide which together outline the study program for each host university, including the range of subjects available, assessment guidelines and criteria and advice on practical matters associated with settling into the life of the local community. The study guide also includes contact numbers for Australian embassies and consulates, which are advised of students' names and programs of study prior to their departure from Australia.

An emergency policy has been developed and students are advised of procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.

Alternative arrangements

In-country Study is an integral component of the International Studies program; all students are expected to proceed to a period of In-country Study during the course. While students are away the Institute maintains a system of pastoral care. In exceptional cases, after applying for Special Consideration, provision may be made for students to vary their program of study to fit individual circumstances. Under those circumstances, students may be required to complete their International Studies program by taking subjects from the list of approved alternative subjects. Any such request would need to be made in writing to the Institute at the earliest possible opportunity. Any variation in the International Studies program is subject to the approval of the Board of Studies of the Institute.

The Institute reserves the right to vary the In-country Study component of the International Studies program in the event of unsafe conditions in a particular region.

Comparative Social Change and Contemporary Society

In each major of the International Studies program, students take two specific subjects which provide an introduction to the history, politics, economics and society of the country or region of their International Studies major.

The subject 50140 Comparative Social Change provides an introduction to comparative social change in Europe, the Americas, and East and South-East Asia. This subject is offered in collaboration with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. All students, with the exception of Law combined degree students, take this subject to help them locate the culture of their major in its intellectual, social and political contexts. Students in the Law and International Studies combined degree enrol in 76600 International Legal Studies in lieu of 50140 Comparative Social Change.

The Contemporary Society subjects provide an introduction to a specific country or region in order to ensure that students gain an understanding of its political, social and economic structures, and to identify its more dynamic aspects. No prior knowledge of the culture or skill in the language of the country concerned is required, and all teaching is conducted in English. Contemporary Society subjects are taught by the Institute, with students studying the Contemporary Society subject relevant to their major. For available subjects see CBK90142. Comparative Social Change and Contemporary Society subjects are also offered as electives to all UTS students.

Special arrangements

Approved alternative subjects
Sub-majors, electives and non-award studies

Under certain circumstances some students may need to vary the subjects of study prescribed by their major in the International Studies program.

In these and other exceptional circumstances, special arrangements can be made to cater for individual needs. Students should notify the Institute in writing, at the earliest time possible, of these circumstances.

Under such circumstances, students are required to study one or more subjects from the list of approved alternative subjects to the equivalent value of credit points (see below).

For any amendment to the course of study prescribed in the International Studies program, students need approval from the Board of Studies of the Institute for International Studies.

Approved alternative subjects

Approved alternative subjects for undergraduate students

Approved undergraduate alternative subjects include all Language and Culture subjects: Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Thai. All language subjects in International Studies have a value of 8 credit points and are taught over one semester.

All Contemporary Society subjects may be taken as approved alternative subjects: Contemporary Canada (Québec), Contemporary China, Contemporary France, Contemporary Germany, Contemporary Italy, Contemporary Japan, Contemporary Latin America, Contemporary Latino USA, Contemporary Southeast Asia, Contemporary Spain and Contemporary Switzerland. All Contemporary Society subjects have a value of 8 credit points and are taught in Spring semester.

Other approved alternative subjects may be any of the following, subject to availability: Aboriginal Cultures and Philosophies, Aboriginal Social and Political History, Australian History and Politics, Colonialism and Modernity, Comparative Belief Systems, Comparative Social Change, Contemporary Cultures 1, Contemporary Cultures 2, Inequality and Power, International Legal Studies, Interrogating Globalisation, Political Theory, Power and Change in Australia, and Utopias and Dystopias. Each of these subjects has a value of 8 credit points.

Approved alternative subjects for postgraduate students

Approved postgraduate alternative subjects include all Language and Culture subjects: Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Thai. Other approved alternative subjects are also available in the choice block CBK90231.

Sub-majors, electives and non-award studies

Students at UTS can increase their international and intercultural skills by enrolling in a Language and Culture program and Contemporary Society subject. Students in any degree offered at UTS may be able to take these subjects as electives or as a sub-major, provided this is approved by their faculty.

At UTS students can study Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese or Spanish. It is possible to study other languages through arrangements UTS has with other universities in Sydney.

Sub-majors are available by combining three International Studies subjects. Three Contemporary Society subjects form an International Studies sub-major (SMJ09034). A Contemporary Society subject and two relevant consecutive Language and Culture subjects form a Specialist Country Studies sub-major (SMJ09036). And three consecutive Language and Culture subjects form a Language Other than English (LOTE) Studies sub-major (SMJ09035).

Language and Culture subjects and Contemporary Society subjects may also be taken as non-award studies.

Further information on these subjects can be found in the Study Package Directory and under Subject lists and descriptions.