Each program has its own characteristics and most students will be able to find a program suits their interests and needs. Overseas study programs vary from short intensive four week subjects to exchanges that last one year. The duration of study can often be determined by students themselves depending on financial availability and ability to transfer credit. Some institutions also require students to have a working knowledge of a foreign language although a small number of programs provide instruction in English. In the last decade there has been an explosion of student exchange, especially within Europe where tens of thousands of students participate in exchange each year.
Student exchange is a rapidly growing part of Australian student activity.
A student exchange program is based on an official exchange agreement between two partner universities. Therefore no tuition fees are ever payable to the host university. As the Australian Government requires universities operating student exchange schemes to balance their numbers exchange places are limited and competitive. Students must maintain a full time workload both locally and overseas. The academic work completed by students at an overseas exchange institution must be counted for credit towards your UWS degree.