Information for students

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email iisinfo@uts.edu.au
www.internationalstudies.uts.edu.au

Bachelor of Arts in International Studies

Technological change, globalisation and increased mobility during the second half of the 20th century have dramatically increased the importance of having an international outlook. 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 Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, which can be combined with most other bachelor's-level degrees at UTS.
The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies introduces students to languages and cultures of the non-English-speaking world and teaches them about contemporary societies in Asia, Europe and the Americas. The course provides 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 Master of Arts in International Studies (by coursework) also provides the possibility of study overseas for one semester.
The key element in the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies 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 course requires undergraduate and postgraduate (coursework) students to follow a single major, a specialisation in a particular country or region.
Students study one of the following countries or majors: Argentina, Canada (Québec), Chile, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latino USA, Mexico, Spain or Switzerland.
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 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 major. If a visa cannot be granted, it is not possible for the student to undertake the chosen major.
Students are admitted to the combined degrees with international studies with no guarantee of entry to a specific major, although every effort is made to meet students' preferences. UTS: International Studies reserves the right to allocate places in majors according to its resources and arrangements with overseas universities.
The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies has no prior language requirements.
Each student's choice of major and subjects requires the approval of the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
In exceptional circumstances (see special arrangements), students may, with the approval of the head of the International Studies program, 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 subjects

UTS: International Studies organises the teaching of Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish 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 part of the Bachelor of Global Studies (C10264)
• 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. UTS: International Studies 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. Students in the combined degree with international studies are asked to contact UTS: International Studies regarding any issues with their language and culture subjects.
UTS students who want to study languages not offered at UTS are asked to apply via cross-institutional enrolment to the university that offers the language they wish to study. Students need to plan ahead and check the deadline for when cross-institutional applications close at the other university. UTS: International Studies is unable to assist with cross-institutional enrolments.
UTS students who wish to engage in language and culture studies at UTS, 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 UTS: International Studies before the relevant deadline. Application forms for non-award or cross-institutional enrolment may be downloaded from the UTS website.
In all cases, classes are only taught at UTS if student numbers permit.
Language and culture subjects are an important part of the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. They are designed to prepare UTS students for further study in the country of their international studies major.

Enrolment procedures for language and culture subjects

Combined degree students in the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies 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 to ensure that they are placed at an appropriate class level. This form is available from UTS: International Studies at:

UTS: 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 UTS: International Studies subjects as electives or sub-majors is as follows.

• Submit an e-request to your faculty for permission to study UTS: International Studies subjects. If approved, the subject is added to your study plan by your faculty.
• Once approved, the faculty forwards the e-request to UTS: International Studies to process. Students need to complete a language level assessment online form for UTS: International Studies before being able to enrol into the subject. Students are sent an email with the link for this form.
• Students wanting to study languages not taught at UTS need to apply on a cross-institutional basis.

Students intending to take international studies' subjects as electives or sub-majors are advised to lodge an e-request 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. All language and culture subjects taught on UTS campuses consist of four contact hours a week.

To cater for the different needs of students, each language and culture program has different points of entry depending on a student's language skill. 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 Bachelor of Arts in International Studies 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 Bachelor of Arts in International Studies follow a specific language and culture program by enrolling in a series of subjects – four for undergraduates in a combined degree international studies and at least two for postgraduates in the postgraduate coursework degree program in 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 head of the International Studies program.

In-country study

In-country study is a key component of both the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and the Master of Arts in International Studies (by coursework). 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 that are supervised by UTS: International Studies.

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 UTS: International Studies at over 70 universities in Argentina, Canada (Québec), Chile, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latino USA, Mexico, Spain or Switzerland.

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 that are assessed by staff of UTS: International Studies.

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 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 Bachelor of Arts in International Studies after they have successfully completed all earlier stages in the combined degree. 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 head of the International Studies program.

Requisites

Before undertaking the subject In-country Study 1, students need to have successfully completed the required subjects in their Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. 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 that 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 UTS: 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 UTS: 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 UTS: International Studies' 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, Codes of Conduct, Policies and Procedures of UTS (see rule 2.1.1) and undertake to:

1. accept financial responsibility for all personal expenditure and for all costs that are additional to those met by UTS; additional costs may include insurance or social security payments required by host universities
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 UTS: International Studies
4. participate in any pre-departure preparation specified by UTS: International Studies and abide by deadlines in the processes of collating necessary information for travel and university enrolment arrangements
5. advise the appropriate faculty and UTS: International Studies of any changes in an academic program while overseas in accordance with applicable UTS dates and the guidelines of UTS: International Studies
6. abide by the laws of the host country
7. abide by the rules and regulations of the host institution (see rule 2.1.5)
8. behave personally and professionally in an appropriate manner for a representative of UTS
9. consult with staff of UTS: International Studies and advisers at the host institution should any problems arise in relation to academic or other matters during a period of in-country study
10. where relevant, obtain appropriate advice relating to health matters, disabilities or other special needs from a relevant professional regarding ability to complete the period of in-country study, and liaise with staff of UTS: International Studies should any additional arrangements be required. Note: UTS cannot guarantee that host universities will be able to meet the needs of all students, and in some cases students may be advised to complete in-country study by means of approved alternative subjects in Sydney.

I understand that failure to abide by these conditions may result in disciplinary action (see rule 2.1.10).

Rules and regulations for in-country study (ICS) travel

1. The travel team at UTS: International Studies will be solely responsible for travel arrangements. All travel issues must go via UTS: International Studies travel staff. Students will not have any contact with travel agents.
2. UTS will pay for the most economical, reasonably direct airfare to the ICS location. This includes applicable government and airline taxes.
3. Students must comply with relevant airline security and baggage regulations.
4. Major coordinators will decide on departure dates within their major. Students enrolled in the same program within one ICS location will depart from Sydney on the same date. Major coordinators will advise students of their departure dates from Sydney and their arrival dates at ICS locations.
5. No changes can be made to the departure date from Sydney (except in cases of serious illness or misadventure and in consultation with the major coordinator and travel staff at UTS: International Studies).
6. UTS will not be responsible for any extra costs involved with late travel bookings to the ICS location caused by students not providing relevant documentation within UTS: International Studies set timeframes.
7. Students cannot make stopovers, change the routing or add any side trips to their air tickets. Students can individually organise any private travel during their semester breaks.
8. Students are responsible for changing the date of their return flight to Sydney as advised by the travel team. Once at their ICS location, students are required to telephone the applicable airline to make the relevant return flight changes (information on these procedures is distributed at the pre-departure briefing meeting along with air tickets). Return flights are subject to availability in the fare class booked.
9. Students should return to Sydney only after completing their academic program at the host university. Students who wish to return to Sydney before their academic program has finished must have prior approval from their major coordinator.
10. Students are able to stay overseas for a maximum of 12 months from their departure date ex-Sydney.
11. UTS will not credit or refund travel for students who decide to make their own travel plans, or who fail to re-confirm fully with airlines their return flight details to Australia.
12. Students withdrawing from travelling overseas on ICS for personal reasons, after air tickets have been issued, will be responsible for reimbursing UTS all cancellation costs. Cancellations costs may include any agency and airline fees.
13. Students will need to comply with instructions given by UTS on repatriation to Sydney for health or security reasons. Directions may be issued via the Head of International Studies, major coordinator or travel team.

Partner universities hosting in-country study programs

Argentina

Universidad Católica Argentina (UCA), Buenos Aires

Canada (Québec)

Université Laval, Québec City

Chile

Chile Pontifica Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), Santiago

Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI), Valparaiso

China

Shanghai University, Shanghai

Shanxi University, Taiyuan

Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin

Yunnan Normal University, Kunming

Zhejiang University, Hangzhou

France

Université Michel de Montaigne Bordeaux 3, Bordeaux

Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, Caen

Télécom and Management SudParis, Évry

Université Lumière Lyon 2, Lyon

Université de Poitiers, Poitiers

Université de Reims, Champagne-Ardennes, Reims

Université Rennes 2 – Haute Bretagne, Rennes

Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg

Université de Toulon et du Var, Toulon

Université de la Nouvelle Calédonie, Nouméa

Germany

Universität Duisburg–Essen, Duisburg

Georg-Augustus Universität Göttingen, Göttingen

Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin

Universität Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe

Universität Konstanz, Konstanz

Universität Potsdam, Potsdam

Universität Regensburg, Regensburg

Universität des Saarlands, Saarbrücken

Universität Tübingen, Tübingen

Italy

Libera Università di Lingue e Comunicazione IULM, Milan

Politecnico di Milano, Milan

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan

Università degli studi di Bergamo, Bergamo

Università degli studi di Bologna, Bologna

Università degli studi di Catania, Catania

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, El Paso

Mexico

Universidad de Guadalajara (UdeG), Guadalajara

Universidad de las Américas (UDLA), Puebla

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

Universidad Veracruzana (UV), Xalapa

Spain

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona

Universitat Abat Oliba, Barcelona

Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, Madrid

Universidad de Cantabria, Santander

Universidad de Granada, Granada

Universidad de La Rioja, Logroño

Universidad de Málaga, Málaga

Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla

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

Université de Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel

University of Fribourg/Freiburg, Fribourg/Freiburg

UTS: International Studies 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 UTS: International Studies' 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 UTS: International Studies on each student's progress. Country coordinators from UTS: 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.

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. 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 Bachelor of Arts in International Studies by taking subjects from the list of approved alternative subjects. Replacing a 24-credit-point in-country study subject requires that the student complete three alternative subjects, two of which must be from UTS: International Studies. Any such request would need to be made in writing to UTS: International Studies at the earliest possible opportunity. Any variation in the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies is subject to the approval of the head of the International Studies program.

UTS: International Studies reserves the right to vary the in-country study component of the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies program in the event of unsafe conditions in a particular region.

Foundations in International Studies and Contemporary Society

In each major of the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, 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 976001 Foundations in International Studies provides students with an understanding of international approaches and perspectives in regards to issues of contemporary importance in Asia, Europe and the Americas. All students take this subject to help them gain an appreciation of representative theoretical approaches to the main forces in global issues sufficient to apply these approaches to specific cross-cultural and interdisciplinary areas of interest.

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 UTS: International Studies, with students studying the contemporary society subject relevant to their major (CBK90142). Contemporary society subjects are also offered as electives to all UTS students.

Special arrangements

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

In these and other exceptional circumstances, special arrangements can be made to cater for individual needs. Students should notify UTS: International Studies 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, students need approval from the head of the International Studies program.

Approved alternative subjects

Approved alternative subjects for undergraduate students

Approved undergraduate alternative subjects include all language and culture subjects: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. All language and culture subjects 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(o) America, Contemporary Spain and Contemporary Switzerland. All contemporary society subjects have a value of 8 credit points. Please note that the subjects Contemporary France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland are offered at the same time and day in Spring semester only; students are thus only able to select one of these subjects in that semester.

Other approved alternative subjects may be any of the following, subject to availability: 58227 Introduction to Aboriginal Cultures, 013082 Aboriginal Social and Political History, and 50186 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, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. 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 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.

Students can study Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish.

Sub-majors are available by combining three international studies subjects; three contemporary society subjects from an international studies sub-major (SMJ09034); a contemporary society subject and two relevant consecutive language and culture subjects from a specialist country studies sub-major (SMJ09036); or three consecutive language and culture subjects from 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.

Please note that the subjects Contemporary France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland are offered at the same time and day in Spring semester only; students are thus only able to select one of these subjects in that semester.

Further information on these subjects can be found in the study package directory.