In this two-part series, we evaluate international study as a part of your early career in international affairs.
Part 1 outlined some initial questions you should ask when considering whether to study internationally and what your international study options are. Part 2 continues by explaining key tips to maximise your international study experience.
After deciding to study internationally, you may ask yourself: where will I study; where will I live; should I travel during my studies; and how will I afford it all? Your answers to these questions may affect how much your experience benefits your early career in international affairs. This article offers 12 key tips to help you answer these questions, and maximise your experience.
1. Study somewhere which will most benefit your career.
Studying internationally can open doors to unique academic perspectives, cultural insights, and invaluable networks that will broaden your understanding of global issues.
To do so, you may want to consider applying to universities that:
Offer courses/a degree aligned with your career goals
Specialise in unique classes on new or emerging issues (especially ones relevant to the region you’re studying in!)
Include a mix of theory and practical learning
Facilitate internship opportunities in national governments, businesses, and international organisations, and
Have a diverse student cohort.
2. Choose a location you think you’ll like.
It’s also important to see yourself living in the city or country the university is located in.
Your ideal location may depend on your type of study and preferences. If you’re on a study-abroad program or exchange, consider if the location is:
Safe and inclusive (e.g. low crime and LGBTIQ+ rights)
Student-friendly (e.g. active nightlife and access to arts and culture )
Affordable (e.g. accommodation and food)
Known for good weather (e.g. mild climate)
Easy to travel to (e.g. close to an international airport) and
Easy to travel around (e.g. accessible public transport options).
If you’re studying a degree overseas, you may also want to consider whether you have the right to remain in the country after you graduate to pursue employment opportunities.
3. Research accommodation options early!
Finding student accommodation is a common stress that comes with studying internationally.
You should look for accommodation well before you travel because options can become more scarce and expensive if you wait.
If your university offers accommodation for international students, consider applying immediately once applications open. Be aware that you may still miss out if spots are limited.
You may also want to investigate private options. Consider exploring local student accommodation pages on social media or online real estate listings.
It is also wise to check if you require a local bank account or guarantor who lives in the country to rent accommodation.
4. Keep a budget.
Keeping a budget is an important part of being able to afford your international study experience. You can track where you spend your money and what you can cut back on if needed.
Using a spreadsheet is an easy way to track your expenses on essentials (e.g. groceries, rent, transport, personal care, laundry) and non-essentials (e.g. food out, entertainment, activities, travel).
If you calculate your average weekly total expenses and forecast your likely future spending.
5. Organise your finances to save money
While overseas, you will need to transfer money from AUD into the local currency to buy goods and services. Many standard Australian banks will offer these services but at a higher cost, so consider if it is cheaper to use your current institution or to open a new account. You can save on international transaction fees by using services like Wise or Revolut, which often offer better exchange rates than traditional banks.
You may also consider your mobile phone usage while abroad. Think about how much data you will need and the availability of Wi-Fi networks that you can use to make calls and send messages through apps like WhatsApp or iMessage. While your Australian provider may offer international roaming plans, compare the cost of this with the cost of local SIM cards and eSIM to find the best deal.
6. Build new relationships…
The students, academics and professionals you meet while overseas can provide you with advice, teach you skills, and potentially offer you employment opportunities.
Invest in building these new relationships. Perhaps invite students to travel with you to the university or on trips during your studies, or create a study group together.
To build relationships with academics, participate in tutorials and seminars and proactively seek their advice on assignments. You could also build relationships with professionals by attending networking events, report launches and panel discussions.
7. …and stay connected with existing relationships.
At the same time as you build your new relationships, you should also make the effort to stay in touch with family and friends back home. They can support you during your time away and help you if you feel homesick.
You may also want to check in with career mentors as they can help you navigate employment options both during and after your studies.
8. Consider whether to work while studying.
Depending on your financial situation, the visa that you are on, and your type of study, you may consider working while studying internationally.
Casual or part-time work could help you afford your experience abroad. However, you will have to sacrifice time you could otherwise spend studying or socialising. Carefully consider the pros and cons of each side to determine what will be right for you.
If you decide to work, think about finding a role that could complement your studies and build your skills in your chosen professional field. Alternatively, a casual job in hospitality or retail may help you switch your mind off studying and meet new people.
Either way, you must explore your visa requirements and whether your host country has work restrictions on international students. This will help you understand if you can legally work and, if so, the type of work and maximum hours per week you can undertake.
9. Pursue co-curricular and/or extra-curricular activities.
Research what co-curricular and extra-curricular activities your international university offers, and pursue activities aligned with your interests.
Undertaking co-curricular activities (e.g. internships, mentoring, and volunteering) can complement your study program and help you excel in your chosen field. Alternatively, participating in extra-curricular activities (e.g. sporting clubs and student organisations) can help you make friends in your new environment, develop your teamwork skills, and help you relax from studying.
10. Travel
If you have the time and financial ability, studying overseas is a fantastic chance to travel and experience the local region. Exploring your host country is an opportunity to immerse yourself in its culture, understand its history, and engage with its people. This helps many Australians gain fresh perspectives on global issues.
Consider where to travel and when. Taking weekend trips to towns or cities within your host country and saving longer trips abroad for semester breaks or long weekends may avoid disturbing your studies.
To travel economically and sustainably, consider taking trains over flights where possible and investigate whether a rail pass (e.g. Eurail) is worth it. Depending on your budget, length of stay, and desired amenities, you may opt for hostels, budget hotels or short-term rentals, however, be aware some cities are increasingly cracking down on short-term rentals. Travelling with other international students is a great way to split costs while also building new connections and making unforgettable memories together.
11. Consider journaling your experience.
Your international study experience may be a seminal moment in your life. Journaling can help you make sense of this moment by recording what you did and how you felt each day. You can also continue this habit after studying internationally to digest and reflect on your experiences.
Your journal can take on several different forms - handwritten, email, online (e.g. Day One Journal) or social media posts to name a few - and, depending on how format, may include photos or videos of your day.
12. Stay connected with new relationships post-study.
Do not let the close relationships formed during your international study end with your time abroad.
Staying connected can turn new friendships into lifelong ones, giving you a place to stay when you go overseas or people to reach out to when you reflect on your experiences. Professional contacts can also offer you potential career opportunities if you relocate abroad.
Social media makes it easy to stay connected with new contacts from across the world. So, once you get home, message each other, connect via LinkedIn, or video call them.
Maximising your experience
By taking on board these 12 key tips, you can maximise the benefit that your international study experience has on your early career in international affairs. You will return home from studying abroad with a greater understanding of global issues, a broader perspective of the world, and stronger professional and personal networks.
Most importantly, however, these tips will make sure that you are take advantage of this exciting new experience, helping you make lifelong memories and connections.
Whether you're pursuing global career opportunities or seeking personal growth, these tips will help you embrace this life-changing experience fully. The world is waiting - make the most of it!
Click here to read Part 1 of this two-part series.
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