"The world is my lecture room" could become a catch-cry at UTS with the launch last week of a new international student exchange scholarship program worth $100,000.

One hundred scholarships are up for grabs for 2001, with applicants seeking to enhance their studies and broaden their experience by studying overseas for six months to a year.

Successful applicants each receive $1000 to assist with travel expenses, free tuition at their destined university and full medical cover while they study abroad.

UTS Institute for International Studies, Professor David Goodman said the University placed a high value on students gaining an international perspective in their studies to help them think outside of their own cultural restraints.

"The world is getting smaller and graduates who can accommodate cultural diversity will be the best equipped to become future leaders and innovators in business, industry and government," Professor Goodman said.

"Our exchange program links with more than 160 universities, in both English speaking countries as well as those where English is not the primary language. Many challenges face our students which help them gain in maturity, self-sufficiency and confidence.

"The International Exchange Students scheme is aiming for 500 students per year to spend a semester or more overseas, to be credited toward their UTS degree program. About half of these students will be studying for a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies."

UTS Business student Andrew Goodwin said he was thrilled with the exchange scholarship he had been awarded and the chance to gain an edge that most university graduates would not have.

"The scholarship means I do not have to defer my UTS degree and that I can now study, travel and have a lot of fun in Sweden," Mr Goodwin said.

"My course at UTS includes international business subjects which I will gain in depth because of the experience and bigger world view that I will get from travelling overseas.

"The overseas scholarship will also contribute to future international opportunities with KPMG, where I am undertaking a cadetship while I study.

"UTS does a lot to put students in the international picture and any students who have vision and ambition would do well to explore the options for study overseas."