Information for students

International Studies plays a key role in the internationalisation of the UTS teaching and learning experience both in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) and across the University. Internationalisation of teaching and learning is something that UTS takes very seriously and encourages all students to participate in.

The International Studies program teaches:

• about cultural diversity and social change in Asia, Europe and the Americas
• about processes of regionalisation, internationalisation, transnationalism and globalisation as well as their local receptions, and
• a suite of Asian and European language and culture subjects at many levels.

Staff in International Studies also conduct research in the above areas.

Staff also supervise research students completing higher degrees by research in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

International Studies is responsible for the coordination and implementation of the following teaching programs:

• the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, which can be combined with most other bachelor's-level degrees at UTS
• the Bachelor of Global Studies (C10264)
• the Diploma in Languages (C20059)
• the Australian Language and Culture Studies.

Location, contacts and inquiries

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International Studies

Language and culture subjects

Language and culture subjects are an important part of the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies at UTS. They are designed to prepare students for further study in the country of their international studies major.

International Studies also offers 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 programs in international studies
• as part of the Bachelor of Global Studies (C10264)
• as part of the Diploma in Languages (C20059)
• 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, which is a valuable skill in a globalising world. UTS: International Studies does not usually give recognition of prior learning for any previous study of languages. The language and culture subjects admit students at different levels and cater to various levels of linguistic competence in order to enhance each student's communicative ability. Students in a combined degree in 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 concurrent/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. 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 towards a degree, are admitted as fee-paying, non-award students. Allocation depends on the availability of class spaces after UTS award students have enrolled. Students from other institutions can enrol in language and culture subjects as cross-institutional students. 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.

Enrolment procedures for language and culture subjects

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, the Diploma in Languages (C20059) and postgraduate coursework programs are required to enrol in language and culture subjects as denoted by their study plan.

Other UTS students who wish to study a language and culture subject as part of a sub-major or as an elective in their degree need to obtain approval from their faculty before they enrol in the subject.

All students undertaking a language and culture subject at UTS for the first time need to complete a level assessment to ensure that they are placed at an appropriate class level.

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:

• Students must, at the earliest opportunity during the enrolment period, request permission from their faculty to study the subject by submitting an e-request. When submitting an e-request for a language subject, students must complete the additional fields under the Language Subject Details section. More information is available at language assessment.
• Once the subject is approved, the Progressions, Results and Conferral team makes an initial assessment of the e-request by analysing the responses in the Language Subject Details section, in conjunction with the submitted supporting statement.
• The Progressions, Results and Conferral team add the level 1 subject if students have little or no experience in the language, and then reply to the student.
• For students with prior knowledge or experience in the language, their e-requests are forwarded to UTS: International Studies for processing.
• Students who require an assessment need to attend a language session.

Students wishing to study a language as an elective are only granted approval if spaces are available four weeks before the beginning of session. Places in subjects are limited.

Credit points and workload

All language and culture subjects are taught over one session and have a value of 8 credit points. Most language and culture subjects taught on UTS campuses consist of four contact hours per week, spread over two 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 skill. Beginner levels concentrate more on basic communication skills; the higher levels introduce students to literature and culture in the language of study. Through the process of language acquisition, students are encouraged to obtain an insight into the relevant cultures.

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

Students with some level of background and/or 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. The level is determined after an assessment with an experienced language and culture academic staff member. These students are expected to improve their existing skills in speaking, comprehension, reading and writing.

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 an international studies combined degree.

In exceptional circumstances students with advanced reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in a language may be exempted from further study in that language. Students in this position are encouraged to choose a secondary language from the UTS: International Studies language choices to make up the overall credit point requirements of the degree. Any amendments to an individual student's international studies program are subject to approval by the Head of School.

Diploma in Languages

The Diploma in Languages (C20059) is designed to be taken concurrently with an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree program at UTS. It facilitates university students' learning about language and culture and thereby broadens the opportunities associated with their professional degree.

This course allows students to gain exposure to international perspectives and consolidate their linguistic capabilities in a language other than English. Language options include: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. Language and culture subjects taken throughout the diploma draw on the UTS Model of Learning, which combines international and intercultural engagement with blended and research-inspired learning.

Academic English Program

Academic English – the language students are required to understand (when listening and reading) and produce (in writing and speaking) at university – has special features, which makes it different from the language people use in other contexts.

Postgraduate or undergraduate coursework students who have been identified as benefiting from developing their academic language skills are strongly encouraged to undertake Academic English: Communication Fundamentals (8cp or 6cp) as an elective.

In-country study (ICS)

In-country study (ICS) is a key component of the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, subject to availability. 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 sessions 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.

Where?

All in-country study is taken in countries or regions 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, Colombia, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latino USA, Mexico, Spain or Switzerland.

These terms apply to students enrolling in the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from 2021 onwards.

Costs

In the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, 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.

International Studies can provide in-country study students with a letter stating the commencement and completion dates of their in-country study subjects to assist with the application or retention of student income support while enrolled in in-country study, though eligibility for this support is not determined by UTS. The costs of tuition at overseas universities is paid by UTS, except in cases where a scholarship has been awarded to a student with provision for these costs. Students are covered by the UTS Overseas Insurance Policy. Some host universities require additional insurance which UTS is not liable for. Students pay for their airfare and visa fees, but UTS pays a generous contribution towards these international travel costs. Students pay the costs of accommodation and other living expenses during their period of in-country study. Students should be aware that living costs vary between locations and can be quite high.

The UTS medical service is available to students for medical examinations for visas, vaccinations and other country-specific health advice.

More information about fees, including links to the relevant fee searches, can be found at Understanding fees.

Enrolment in in-country study

In-country study academic prerequisites (undergraduate)

Before undertaking In-country Study 1, students must have completed and passed:

• 976001 Foundations in International Studies
• four language and culture subjects approved by the international studies program as appropriate for the student's particular country major
• the contemporary society subject relevant to the country major, and
• all the required subjects in the student's professional degree program.

In exceptional circumstances, students may be enrolled in their in-country study subjects within the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies if they have not successfully completed and passed all earlier subjects in the combined degree. Students in this situation must seek advice from their in-country study major coordinator to determine their options.

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

Content and assessment

While undertaking in-country study, 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 of the host country – history, economics, politics, society and culture – alongside students from that country.

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

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, health 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 the subjects In-country Study 1 and In-country Study 2 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, accommodation, airfare and visa payments and for all costs that are additional to those subsidised by reimbursement by UTS; additional costs may include insurance or social security payments required by host universities. Noting that UTS will reimburse a generous contribution towards international travel costs
2. meet all academic requirements that precede the period of in-country study
3. abide by the 'Rules and regulations for in-country study travel (undergraduate)' arrangements as set out by UTS International Studies
4. participate in all 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 UTS and the host institution (see rule 2.1.5)
8. behave personally and professionally in an appropriate manner as a representative of UTS
9. check UTS email regularly and respond within three working days to any requests for information from UTS otherwise UTS may contact the host institution, next of kin or the Australian consulate
10. 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
11. agree to UTS contacting the host institution or my next of kin should UTS become concerned about my wellbeing during the period of in-country study
12. where required by UTS, provide UTS with a letter from a medical practitioner and/or relevant professional who has previously treated me, confirming:
    1. that I am fit to participate in and complete the period of in-country study
    2. whether I require a Travel Management Plan or other additional arrangements to manage my medical condition, illness or disability, and, if so, providing a copy of that plan or instructions for additional arrangements required
13. agree that:
    1. UTS reserves the right to refuse permission for me to participate in a period of in-country study where:
       1. UTS reasonably believes that there is a real and significant risk of my illness, condition or disability resulting in harm or injury to me or to others while I am overseas
       2. I fail to provide a Fit to Travel certificate from a medical practitioner and/or relevant professional where requested to do so at any time prior to departure by UTS, or
       3. UTS is unable to reasonably comply with any travel management plan or additional arrangements proposed by a medical practitioner and/or relevant professional
    2. UTS cannot guarantee that host institutions are 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
14. agree to UTS sharing my personal information with the host institution for the purposes of in-country study arrangements, including information relating to any medical condition, illness or disability, and any related travel management plan or other additional arrangements required by a medical practitioner and/or relevant professional
15. agree to register all travel with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Travel Advisory (online) and International SOS Travel Tracker MyTrips
16. agree that failure to abide by any of these conditions may result in disciplinary action (see rule 2.1.10).

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

1. The student will be solely responsible for booking and paying for ICS travel and travel-related costs, including a return airfare, a visa, and travel to and from the host city.
2. Upon payment of their fare and commencement in country of ICS1, the student may seek reimbursement (to a certain value) from UTS International Studies towards their international travel costs.
3. Major coordinators will inform students early in year 3 of the date by which the student must arrive at their ICS location, and the date after which the student is free to return from ICS.
4. Once at their ICS location, a student may need to rebook their return flight to comply with ticketing procedures (airlines will not issue a ticket with the outbound and homeward legs more than 364 days apart)
5. 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.
6. Undergraduate students are able to stay overseas for a maximum of 364 days from their departure date ex-Sydney. After this time, they will no longer be covered by UTS Insurance.
7. 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 the School, major coordinator or professional staff.
8. Students withdrawing from ICS and returning to Sydney for personal reasons once they have travelled overseas but before the census date in the session in which they travel will not be eligible for reimbursement (to a certain value) of international travel costs associated with their ICS participation. If already paid, the student must return that payment to UTS.

Partner universities hosting in-country study programs

The following list is correct at the time of publication. However, International Studies reserves the right to make alterations to the location and content of any program of in-country study at any time.

Canada (Québec)

• Université Laval, Québec City
• École des Hautes Études Commerciales de Montréal (HEC), Montréal
• Université de Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal
• Universite de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke

China

• Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing
• Huazhong University, Wuhan
• Renmin University, Beijing
• Shanghai University, Shanghai
• Tongji University, Shanghai
• Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou
• Yunnan University, Kunming
• Zhejiang University, Hangzhou

France

• Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, Caen
• Université Lumière Lyon 2, Lyon
• Université Bordeaux Montaigne, Bordeaux
• Université Paul- Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier
• Université de Reims, Champagne-Ardennes, Reims
• Université Rennes 2, Rennes
• Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg
• Aix-Marseille Université, Aix en Provence
• Université de Toulon, Toulon

Germany

• Georg-Augustus Universität Göttingen, Göttingen
• Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe
• Universität Konstanz, Konstanz
• Universität Köln, Cologne
• Universität Potsdam, Potsdam
• Universität Regensburg, Regensburg
• Universität des Saarlands, Saarbrücken
• Eberhand Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen

Italy

• Libera Università di Lingue e Comunicazione IULM, Milan
• Politecnico di Milano, Milan (Design)
• Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan
• Università degli studi di Bergamo, Bergamo
• Università degli studi di Bologna, Bologna
• Università degli studi di Siena, Siena
• Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena
• Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino
• Università Ca’ Foscari, Venice

Japan

• Gifu University, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture
• Hokkaido University of Education, Hokkaido Prefecture
• Ibaraki University, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture
• Kagoshima University, Kagoshima City, Kogoshima Prefecture
• Kanazawa University, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
• Kumamoto University, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture
• Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
• Kyushu University, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
• Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iitsuka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
• Niigata University, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture
• JF Oberlin University, Machida City, Tokyo
• Saga University, Saga City, Saga Prefecture
• Saitama University, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture
• University of Shiga Prefecture, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture
• Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
• Yokohama National University, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Shiga University, Otsu City, Shiga University
• Yamaguchi University, Kofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Latin Americas

Argentina

• Universidad Católica Argentina (UCA), Buenos Aires
• Universidad del CEMA (UCEMA), Buenos Aires
• Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza

Chile

• Chile Pontifica Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), Santiago
• Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (UAI), Valparaiso
• Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción
• Universidad Diego Portales (UDP), Santiago de Chile

Colombia

• Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá
• Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá
• Universidad de La Sabana, Bogotá

Latino USA

• San Diego State University
• California State University at Sacramento
• University of Texas, Austin

Costa Rica

• Universidad de Costa Rica, San José

Mexico

• Universidad de Guadalajara (UdeG), Guadalajara
• Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City

Spain

• Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona
• Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, Madrid
• Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid
• Universidad de Cantabria, Santander
• Universidad de Granada, Granada
• Universidad de La Rioja, Logroño
• Universidad de Málaga, Málaga
• Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz
• Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza
• Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona
• Universidad Pública de Navarra, Pamplona

Switzerland

• Pädagogische Hochschule Luzern, Lucerne
• Université de Lausanne, Lausanne
• Universität Zürich, Zürich
• Universität Bern, Bern
• Université de Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel
• Université de Fribourg, Fribourg
• Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano

Academic support and pastoral care

In-country academic advisers from each host university assist International Studies' staff in monitoring students' progress and provide academic support and pastoral care. At the end of each session of in-country study, the host university reports to International Studies on each student's progress. Country coordinators from 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 is in place. Prior to departure, students are advised of procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.

Alternative arrangements

In-country study is a compulsory 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 International Studies. Any such request must 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 School.

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 that 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 important issues in Asia, Europe and the Americas, including the different (economic, political, and cultural) facets of globalisation. 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. All teaching is conducted in English. Students study the contemporary society subject relevant to their major (CBK90142). Contemporary society subjects are also offered as electives to all UTS students.

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 session.

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

Students can enrol in the Bachelor of Global Studies subjects where they meet prerequisites. Consult the major coordinator for advice on other alternative subjects.

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 CBK90900.

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.

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