In this two-part series, we evaluate international study as a part of your early career in international affairs.
Part 1 outlines some initial questions you should ask when considering whether to study internationally and your international study options. Part 2 will continue by explaining key tips to maximise your international study experience.
Young Australians seeking a career in international affairs may consider whether to study internationally. It can help you reach your career goals by broadening your perspective on international affairs, deepening your knowledge of global issues, and expanding your personal and professional networks. For these reasons, many young Australians study internationally.
But international study is not without downsides. These include both obvious financial costs, as well as the cost of what you will miss out on at home. This article unpacks the types of international study and key considerations to help you determine whether to pursue international study.
The types of international study
There are three common types of international study: a study-abroad program, an exchange, or an overseas degree.
Study-abroad programs and exchanges are most common among young Australians studying an undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree. You are enrolled in an Australian university and earn some course credit by studying at an overseas university. The main difference is the length. A study-abroad program is usually 2-4 weeks (over the holidays/study breaks), while an exchange is usually one semester or two semesters.
An overseas degree is most common among young Australians pursuing a postgraduate degree (e.g. Master’s degree or doctorate). You are enrolled in an overseas university and complete most, if not all, of your study there. You may also have the opportunity to go on a study-abroad program or an exchange.
Advancing your career internationally
At least a few qualities support achieving your career goals in international affairs:
A broad understanding of global issues: knowing a bit about a lot boosts your employability. More potential employers can have confidence that you can adequately do the job, from the start, before you develop expertise over time.
A broad perspective of the world: considering the perspective of others helps advance your own. Where your interests don’t align, you can anticipate their actions and plan a response. Where your interests align, you can work together to advance them.
A global network: establishing or strengthening global contacts opens more employment doors. You can tap into them to find and pursue more opportunities.
You can develop these qualities through international study:
Studying unique courses at the host university, taught by renowned experts, and travelling while overseas can broaden your understanding of global issues by;
listening to local perspectives on issues, like during tutorials and seminars, can broaden your perspective of the world;
and meeting students, academics, and potential employers, can establish your global network.
Therefore, international study can support achieving your career goals in international affairs. But how much depends on your circumstances. The narrower your understanding of global issues and perspective, or the weaker your network, the more it will benefit your career, and vice versa. So you should consider your circumstances and how much international study can benefit you.
The costs of international study
At the same time, you should consider the costs of international study. Obvious costs include flights, accommodation, and living expenses. You may also need to pay tuition fees if you study a degree overseas, or if you study abroad and there is no formal agreement between your home university and the host university. To help cover these costs, investigate scholarships or other financial assistance options, including whether you are eligible for an OS‑HELP loan or continued Youth Allowance.
It is also important to consider the opportunity cost: the forgone benefit you would sacrifice by studying internationally. Sacrifices may include time with friends and family, work, or domestic study. Students and early career professionals often have different priorities and are willing to make different sacrifices. For example, if you’re an undergraduate student, you may embrace the opportunity to go on an exchange to gain new experiences abroad, even if it means giving up time with friends and family or work opportunities at home. In contrast, if you’re a graduate, you may choose to establish your career at home and not immediately pursue international study, even if it would have been at a renowned institution.
Deciding your way forward
You’re now in a position to compare the respective benefits and costs of international study and decide your way forward. If the benefits outweigh the costs, it may be the ideal time to study internationally. If not, then perhaps it may be worth waiting until your circumstances shift.
But remember the ‘now’ is important. The balance of benefits and costs will change as your study and as your early career progresses. So keep an open mind and in the future may want to reconsider whether to apply for a study-abroad program, exchange, or overseas degree.
Stay tuned for Part 2, which will unpack key tips to maximise your international study experience, if you decide to study internationally.
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