International

La Trobe University Students Going on Exchange

How to Apply

Where can La Trobe University students go on Exchange?

La Trobe University has over 80 international partners offering wide-ranging educational programs. Nearly all of our partners offer programs in English, so there is no need to feel confined to English speaking countries when considering exchange. Students should initially research their desired institutions for their exchange by exploring the individual international partner websites for unit availability and other practical aspects of the institution. If you want to network socially with other exchange students you can also visit the La Trobe University Exchange Program Group on Facebook. If you are a Facebook member, just search for "La Trobe University Exchange Program Group".

Global Lounge

Students can come to the La Trobe Global Lounge on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11am - 3pm to access additional information about our partner institutions. The Global Lounge is located on the upper West side of the Agora - next to the Student Guild Office.

How are credits transferred back to La Trobe University?

Students need to fulfil the equivalent of a full time study load at the nominated overseas institution. For example, if a student were to study in Europe they would need to ensure that the chosen units amounted to 30 ECTS (60 Latrobe credits).

Please see our partner table to see how the La Trobe University full-time credit load for one semester translates at our partner universities.

How much does it all cost?

Students pay their normal fees (HECS HELP, FEE HELP or full fees) to La Trobe University for the duration of their exchange and receive a fee waiver from the host university. La Trobe University issues Mobility Grants for all successful applicants (these amounts may vary from year to year). Please see the below matrix for the 2008 grant amounts.

* DEEWR scholarship recipients only receive half of the listed amount.
** Starting Semester 2, 2009 the grant for an additional semester will be A$500.

Youth Allowance

Students who receive youth allowance or other government scholarships can usually continue to receive these benefits abroad, but it is recommended that each student enquire directly with Centrelink for specific details of their individual circumstances.

OS Help Loans

Some students may be eligible to apply for an OS Help loan, which allows students to borrow up to A$5,196 in a 6 month period and a total of A$10,392 over twelve months. For further information on OS Help loans, please visit La Trobe University's OS Help website.

Application Form

Once students have researched their exchange destination, students need to begin completing the outgoing exchange application form (pdf 84kb). This form details what information and documentation is required before it is submitted to the Education Abroad Advisor. The application form will require the following:

An updated academic transcript demonstrating a 65 (C) or above average.

• STUDY PLAN: A detailed study plan approved by your course advisor and finally your faculty advisor
• REFERENCES: 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 time to fulfil this task
• PERSONAL STATEMENT: There is no set formula for how to write the personal statement but it is worthwhile covering your motivations, your desire to study at your chosen University, your interest in that particular country and what you feel you will achieve from this experience.
  
  Please note that international students are not eligible to apply for exchange programs in their home countries.
  

Submitting your application form

On completing the La Trobe Exchange application, students must submit this in full to the Education Abroad Advisor by the application closing date. It is advisable for students to book an appointment in advance so that there is sufficient time to discuss their 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.

Information Sessions for Accepted Students (compulsory)

Acceptance Reception
All successful applicants to the La Trobe University Exchange Program are required to attend the Acceptance Reception for their respective approved exchange period. At the reception, students will be provided with their host institution application, information clearly detailing the conditions and responsibilities of the La Trobe University Exchange Program, and additional information that is essential for students at this stage of the Exchange process. Please see the Acceptance Reception dates and please note that these dates may vary from year to year.

Getting Started Session
Approximately 2 weeks following the Acceptance Reception, students are required to attend a Getting Started session. This session includes students who have returned from a semester exchange, so it is the ideal time to ask questions to the students who have "been there and done that". This is also when all completed host institution applications are due to La Trobe International.

The Education Abroad Advisor will forward students' host institution applications to the relevant offices on behalf of the students. Until students receive their official letter of offer from the host institution, the Education Abroad Office will be the students' first point of contact This process can take some time (sometimes up to six weeks) so it is important for students to be patient. If documentation is received directly from the host institution, students are asked to please notify the Education Abroad Office of these documents.

Pre-departure session
The Pre-departure session is the final phase of the compulsory sessions for students before they depart for their exchange. This session has been tailored to ensure that students are fully prepared for their semester abroad by covering essential issues that include: health and safety; academic requirements; culture shock; and additional information that is intended to assist students during their student exchange.

Mobility grants
All La Trobe University students eligible to receive a Mobility Grant will receive the funding via electronic transfer to the nominated bank account upon confirmation of enrolment at the host institution. Please find these forms available here:

On-Arrival Form
Bank Details Form

Visas, Flights, Travel/Risk Forms, and Accommodation

All flight, visa, and accommodation arrangements are the responsibility of the student.

Visas
The Education Abroad office is unable to provide advice on visa requirements. It is recommended that students contact the appropriate Consulate for additional information.

Flights
LTI strongly recommends that students refrain from making flight or travel insurance bookings, or payments, prior to receiving their 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 that a student may incur.

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 travelling 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
On-campus 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. In most cases, on-campus accommodation allows students the ability to more easily engage in student life, access university facilities, and integrate with local students.

Off-campus accommodation
Some host institutions do not have on-campus housing, but do have accommodation services to assist students in finding suitable housing.

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 an additional Health Insurance policy. Students should ensure that they carefully review their host institution acceptance information regarding insurance requirements. All travel and insurance documents must be submitted to your Education Abroad Advisor a minimum of 28 days prior to departure. Additional information regarding insurance is available via the LTU Insurance Office.

Organising Credit Transfers

Upon completion of a student's exchange, the host institution will send an official academic transcript to the Education Abroad Office. This is forwarded onto 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.

International Exchange Partners

For an up to date list of Exchange destinations, please see the international exchange partners for direct links to our partners' websites.

Content Approved by: Director, La Trobe International
Page maintained by: Communications Coordinator (Web)
Last Updated: 15 July, 2008