Faculty of Asian Studies, The Australian National University

The information below is for ANU Asian Studies students planning to go on an exchange program.

The following information is relevant to any student in one of the degrees offered in the Faculty of Asian Studies who is planning an exchange through the International Education Office (IEO) http://info.anu.edu.au/studyat/International_Office/exchange/exchangeindex.asp.

Please read this document carefully since the information provided below could differ from what other faculties at ANU advise or require of their potential exchange students.

Planning ahead for your exchange is essential…

Q: How do I know if I can fit an exchange into my degree?

A: Getting nominated by IEO to go on exchange does not necessarily mean that you will be able to fit an exchange into your degree. In the Faculty of Asian Studies, we require our students to complete a minimum of 48 units in our faculty, regardless of whether you are a combined degree student or you are enrolled in a straight Asian Studies degree. If you have come into the ANU with status from another institution, you may find that you will be unable to meet this 48 unit minimum requirement if you also decide to go on exchange. Sending an email to the Asian Studies sub-dean Timothy.Hassall@anu.edu.auincluding your student ID is all you need to do to confirm that you can fit an exchange into your Asian Studies degree. 


Q: If I get accepted through IEO to go on exchange, will the courses I do automatically count towards my Asian Studies degree?

A: No, your courses will not automatically count towards your Asian Studies degree. You must go through the Faculty of Asian Studies Course Approval Process (Exchange course approval) to guarantee that the work you do overseas will be credited towards your Asian Studies degree. Depending on your majors, you may find that you will not be able to receive approval for certain ‘core’ courses. If you are planning on studying a foreign language overseas, you may find it challenging to find a course which does not overlap in content with what you have done at the ANU. These are a few reasons why it is crucial to plan ahead for your exchange. Try to complete any core requirements of your majors or your degree prior to going on exchange.

Q: Do I need approval from the Asian Studies sub-dean prior to submitting my application to the university for which IEO has nominated me?

A: No. The course approval process usually happens after the applications are due although once a student has been nominated for a particular institution, the course approval process can begin at any time. It is important to note that the Asian Studies sub-dean does not get involved in the exchange application process, regardless of what the application for the host institution might say. Any questions regarding the completion of applications should be directed to the relevant staff at IEO, not to the Asian Studies sub-dean.

Q: When do I need to start the course approval process?

A: Once you have been nominated by IEO to a particular institution, you should begin the course approval process. If you wait until you have received confirmation of your acceptance by the host institution, you are likely to find that there is not enough time to seek course approval prior to the start of your exchange. You will then be taking the risk that the courses you do while on exchange might not count towards your Asian Studies degree.