La Trobe students going on exchange
Where can La Trobe University students go on Exchange?
La Trobe University has over 100 international exchange partners in over 30 countries offering wide-ranging programs and nearly all offer courses in English.
How do I decide where to go?
Research the institutions by exploring their websites for unit availability and features of the institution.
If you want to network socially with previous and current exchange students, visit the “La Trobe University Study Abroad and Exchange Program Group” on Facebook.
At the La Trobe Global Lounge (more information below) you can access information about partner institutions and receive advice from a La Trobe Abroad staff member.
For information about available grants, scholarships and costs for students accepted into the exchange program, please visit this site.
Please note that international students are not eligible to apply for exchange programs in their home countries.
Important Dates and Deadlines
| For |
Deadline/Date |
| Exchange During Semester 1, 2010 |
Apply by 1 July 2009 |
| Compulsory Acceptance Reception | Tuesday, 4 August, 6pm - 7.30pm, Undercroft Lecture Theatre |
| Compulsory Getting Started Session for Accepted Students | Thursday, 20 August, 3pm - 4pm, Room SS232 |
| Compulsory Pre-Departure Session for Accepted Students | Thursday, 29 October, 10am - 11am, Agora Theatre (video conference with regional campuses) |
| Exchange during Semester 2, 2010 |
Apply by 1 December 2009 |
| Compulsory Acceptance Reception | Tuesday, 2 March, 6pm, Undercroft Lecture Theatre |
| Compulsory Getting Started Session for Accepted Students | Tuesday, 16 March, 6pm, Undercroft Lecture Theatre |
Eligibility
Students are selected for international mobility programs by La Trobe International on a competitive basis reflecting academic standing, motivation, seriousness of purpose, ability to take initiative, communications skills, social maturity and adaptability.
Students are also assessed on their suitability as an ambassador for La Trobe University and their ability to adapt and function independently in new environments. Students need to have a good understanding of Australian culture and be able to adequately represent La Trobe University while overseas.
- All degree seeking La Trobe University students including domestic and international students are eligible to make an application for entry to the La Trobe University Exchange program.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in a relevant La Trobe University degree award program at the time of application, the semester prior to their exchange, and also at the commencement of their exchange.
- Students must have completed at least 120 credit points at La Trobe University or will have successfully completed 120 credit points by the time they participate in the exchange program.
- All students must seek Course Coordinator and Faculty approval for the exchange
- If a student has completed their degree requirements, or will complete their requirements the semester prior to their exchange, they will not be eligible for the program unless under special arrangements associated with dual degrees.
- Students must have a satisfactory level of academic achievement with a 65% or above average to be accepted to the La Trobe University Exchange Program; however, some partner institutions require a higher grade point average to gain entry into their programs.
How do I apply?
When you have researched your desired host institution, complete the outgoing exchange application form (PDF 84KB). The form details what information and documentation is required.
Bring the application form to your Faculty together with a list of the units that you wish to take at the host institution. The Internal Use and Study Plan sections need to be signed and approved on by your Faculty and Course Coordinator.
A complete application includes the following:
- Academic transcript: An updated academic transcript demonstrating a 65 (C) or above average.
- Study plan: A detailed study plan approved by your course and faculty advisors
- Reference: One academic and one personal reference. Please ensure that the academic is willing to do this, understands your motivation to be part of the exchange program, and is given sufficient notice.
- Personal statement: This should cover your motivations, why you want to study at your chosen University, your interest in that particular country and what you feel you will learn from the experience.
Submit the application to the La Trobe Abroad Team by visiting the Global Lounge by the application deadline. You do not need to book an appointment unless you wish to discuss your application. Within 2 weeks of the application closing date, all applicants will receive an email indicating whether they have been accepted into the La Trobe University Exchange Program.
Applications must be complete before they will be reviewed. Applicants will be notified regarding an incomplete application and will be required to provide additional documentation.
Acceptance reception
All successful applicants are required to attend the Acceptance Reception for their approved exchange period. At the reception, students will be provided with their host institution application, information clearly detailing the conditions and responsibilities of the Exchange Program, and essential information for this stage of the Exchange process. Please see the Acceptance Reception dates (these dates may vary each year).
Getting started session
Approximately 2 weeks after the Acceptance Reception, students are required to attend a Getting Started session. This session allows accepted students to ask questions of students who have already been on exchange.
Completed host institution applications must also be handed to La Trobe International at this session. The Education Abroad Advisor will then forward students' applications to the relevant host institution offices.
The Education Abroad Office will be the students' first point of contact until they receive a formal letter of offer from their desired institution. This process can take some time (up to six weeks). If documentation is received directly from the host institution, please notify the Education Abroad Office.
Pre-departure session
The Pre-departure session is the final compulsory session for students before they depart on exchange. This session has been tailored to ensure that students are fully prepared for their semester overseas and covers: health and safety; academic requirements; culture shock; and additional information that will help students during their exchange.
Visas, flights, travel/risk forms, and accommodation
All flight, visa, and accommodation arrangements are the responsibility of the student.
-
Visas
La Trobe is unable to provide advice on visa requirements. It is recommended that students contact the appropriate Consulate for additional information. - Flights
We strongly recommend that students refrain from making flight or travel insurance bookings, or payments, before receiving an official letter of offer from the host institution. La Trobe University takes no responsibility for any financial loss associated with flight and/or travel insurance bookings.
- Travel/risk forms
It is a condition of La Trobe University that all exchange students must submit a travel form at least 28 days prior to their departure. Students traveling to destinations that have been deemed 'Medium' risk and above, must also complete a Risk Form. Please see the City Brief website for the most up to date country information. Additional forms and guidelines are available via the University's Insurance website.
- Accommodation
In most cases, accommodation is organised as part of a student's exchange. Students generally choose to live in residential colleges, dormitories, or apartments on or very close to their host university campuses. Some host institutions do not have on-campus housing, but do have services to assist students with accommodation.
Please note that not all Exchange partner institutions are able to guarantee housing.
Travel insurance
It is a condition of La Trobe University that all exchange students must have comprehensive travel and health insurance. Some host institutions may also require that students take out a Health Insurance policy. Students should ensure that they carefully review the acceptance information regarding insurance requirements. All travel and insurance documents must be submitted to your Education Abroad Advisor at least 28 days before you leave. More information is available at the LTU Insurance Office.
Organising credit transfers
When a student finishes their exchange program, the host institution will send an official academic transcript to the Education Abroad Office at La Trobe. This is sent to the student's faculty for assessment. Grades will not be transferred until the student has successfully submitted their final Photo Journal, Video, or Travel Report to the Education Abroad Office.
For further information - visit us at the Global Lounge
Students at Melbourne (Bundoora) campus can access more information on exchange partners at the La Trobe Global Lounge (located on the upper West side of the Agora - next to the Student Guild Office). The office is open Monday to Thursday from 11am-3pm.
