Why choose a combined degree in International Studies?
We asked five International Studies students how this degree has changed their lives and careers.
Did you know UTS was the first university in Australia to offer International Studies as part of a combined degree?
Globalisation has dramatically changed the way our world works and will continue to shape societies and economies as people become more interconnected than ever. That's why we have been offering a degree in International Studies for more than 25 years.
Our Bachelor of Arts in International Studies has been designed to build a student's language skills, intercultural competencies and international awareness alongside the professional skills of their core degree. By studying the language and culture of another country, students gain the skills and experiences required for a career overseas or in any multinational organisation. It also allows them to build a network of global connections that they can draw upon throughout their personal and professional life.
The benefits are endless but don't just take our word for it. We asked five International Studies students how this degree has changed their lives and career.
1. Improve your language and cultural skills
I am now very confident in my Spanish capabilities and would even consider applying for work in a Latin American country when I finish my degree at UTS. Having a second language has given me a wider scope of opportunities for work and lifestyle that I know will continue to be invaluable. Aside from language skills, In-Country Study forces you out of your comfort zone. This has given me the skillset to be flexible, assertive and responsive to change as well as developing a greater level of patience than I have ever had to exercise before this year.
Living in a ‘‘third-world’ country, where almost everything is slower and more bureaucratic than at home, and where I am forever the foreigner, has instilled in me a sense of humbleness, patience and empathy - where every day I am proud of all of my small victories.
Velvet-Belle Templeman
International Studies / Communication student
Completed her In-Country Study in Costa Rica in 2018
2. Enhance your soft skills
Outside of the classroom, the experience of adapting to life in Japan was a great way for me to enhance my flexibility, communication skills, confidence, and ability to solve problems. Learning to think from the perspective of members of another culture can help you to better understand that some things you have always done without thinking too much may be rude or confusing to someone from another culture. This skill will help me overcome communication barriers in my future life and work as I will be able to better empathise with people who have had very different life experiences compared to myself.
James Fenton
International Studies / Information Technology student
Completed his In-Country Study in Japan in 2018
3. Build global connections
Despite all the amazing places I visited in South America, my highlight without a doubt was the people that I met along the way. I now not only have great friends in Colombia but I also have friends all over Europe and North America as well.
I honestly can’t believe the number of places I have seen, the people I have met and the things I have done! It has been by far one of the best experiences I have had in my life... I will miss Colombia and South America and will no doubt be back to visit in the future. The cultures here are so diverse and colourful and they really give excitement and enthusiasm an entirely new meaning.
Alayna Topolovec
International Studies / Construction Project Management student
Completed her ICS in Colombia in 2018
4. Gain independence
I love the fact that I’ve been able to push myself out of the cozy, little bubble that I called home because three years ago I never thought I had the potential to live 16,000 kilometres away from everything I know to be familiar.
Being able to live independently in another country is probably the best skill I could have gained. I feel so much more confident now that I’ve returned to Australia, which I think is important for every situation life throws at you.
Kristen Russell
International Studies / Communication student
Completed her In-Country Study in Switzerland in 2018
5. Explore the world
While the opportunity of going on exchange and learning a new language is an amazing opportunity on its own, having a whole year abroad also opens the opportunity to travel. I have been fortunate to travel to numerous cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm, London and even smaller cities such as Annecy and Marseille in France. Even by travelling around different cities in the same country such as France, you'll discover that each city has its own charm and character that will always take your breath away.
In-Country Study is definitely a chance to tick off all of the Instagram-looking destinations on your bucket list!
Nicole Roman
International Studies / Business student
Completed her In-Country Study in France in 2018
