University of Tasmania, Australia

• Get UTAS credit while you study in-country.
• Improve existing language skills through intensive language study led by experienced language teachers.
• Learn through immersion in real and day to day language by living in a native-speaking environment.
• Study cultural practices through elective cultural courses, including calligraphy and tea ceremony etc.
• In-country experience prepares you for careers and opportunities that use your language skills and knowledge of Japan, China or Indonesia.

"It was amazing - I would recommend it to anyone who is genuinely interested in learning the language and immersing themselves in the culture, and that includes Islam. That person will come away a different person."

"Be prepared for some intensive study but at the same time the teachers there are friendly and supportive. The whole point of doing the program is to experience living in Japan. So once you're there go out into the city and explore, there is so much to see and do!"

"Go for it, you'll love it."

The costs for each program differ so make sure you look carefully at the details for the program you are interested in. Some assistance is available through scholarships and OS Help. Be prepared to pay for air tickets and other costs up front as the processes can be lengthy.

Costs

• Tuition: students will enrol in 25% overseas study units that are credited to their degree and for which HECS charges apply.
• Airfares and accommodation: check the details for your program to see approximate costs of these.
• Administration fees and costs of cultural trips: where fees apply, these are explained in the program details, as well as information about deposits, how to pay and deadlines.
• Visa costs: where a visa is required, students will pay the cost of the visa and postage or processing charges.

Assistance

1. Scholarships:

   There are two types of scholarship that you can apply for. You can receive one of these only. Follow the links given for the application forms. Both scholarships are for $750.00.

   • Faculty of Arts scholarship - you are eligible for the Faculty of Arts scholarship if you have completed 100% of Arts units and if you have an Arts major. For this scholarship you will need to provide your travel itinerary.
   • Asian Languages and Studies Program scholarship - applying for this scholarship is available to you only if you are not eligible for the Faculty of Arts scholarship.
2. OS Help: Financial assistance is also available through OS Help. Check the eligibility and conditions and apply if it suits your needs. Students who are eligible for University of Tasmania's Student Travel Insurance are covered at no charge. Each student participating in the program is covered by the University's Student Travel Insurance Policy on the following conditions:
   • That you read and consider the policy and its benefits carefully to decide whether the cover is adequate for your needs. If the cover does not meet your needs you are strongly advised to take out a separate personal travel cover. Please note for example that pre-existing medical conditions are not covered by the UTAS Student Travel insurance.
   • That your participation in the study program is your primary reason for travel. You are covered for up to three days either side of the program start and end dates for travel. If you wish to travel in addition to this, you must take out a separate and private travel insurance policy.
   • That you carry a copy of the claims card with you. In the event of a claim you will need to follow the insurance company's claims procedure. Please note that there is an excess of $250.00 on each claim.
3. UTAS Student Travel Insurance:

"Begin preparing for the main things you need to do earlier. Know that the cost will be high and make a decision on as early as possible as to whether it's possible and beneficial for you to undertake it."

Start early by reading up about the program and talking it over with your language lecturer and the program coordinator. Make sure that you familiarise yourself with the requirements of the study program and have everything you need before you leave.

Read up as much as you can about the customs and culture of the country and the area you are travelling to, and talk with students who have experienced in-country programs already. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has a great resource of travel advice on its website, which you should start to check regularly.

Once you are there, you don't want anything to get in your way, so be cautious. At the pre-departure meeting you will receive a booklet with advice on keeping healthy and safe which is specific to the area you are travelling. It will also have contact numbers and procedures to use in an emergency. Be sure to read this cover to cover and take it with you to refer to later.

Plan your finances carefully and make sure you have access to extra for emergencies (which is separate from the money you might take shopping).

And, take some advice from others who returned from in-country programs this year:

"Go with an open heart and an open mind - but go! Have fun. Live with local families or in a kost. Use your Indonesian outside the classroom as much as possible."

"Try and speak Japanese all the time- also, be aware that staff will, generally, not be able to communicate with you well in English and this could present a problem when trying to contact them in an emergency."

"If you are interested in studying Japanese you should definitely participate, there are great opportunities to practice what you learn in class in real situations when meeting Japanese people."

"I would go again in a flash! It was worth it in every respect. Take every opportunity to practice speaking Chinese with locals, and riding on the buses (or the subway, which will probably be open by then!)"

"Just throw yourself into the whole experience... hmmm I'll have to think of practical things."

"Do some Japanese revision before you go. That way you will get more out of the experience as a whole. Enjoy every cultural experience that you can so that you can make the most out of your trip."