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Accommodation, Travel and Money Matters


Travelling and Living Abroad: Practical Considerations


Money Matters: How to Finance and Budget for your Exchange


Image of Student Postcard

 

Is accommodation available and guaranteed overseas?

We cannot guarantee accommodation, but all exchange universities have staff available to assist students in securing housing. Please see below for further details relating to housing.





 

Will I be able to live on campus at the overseas university?

In most cases, accommodation is organised as part of your exchange. Students generally choose to live in residential colleges on their host university campuses (very common in North America).

We recommend that you choose on campus accommodation if it is available; it is the best way to meet local students and to become involved in university life.

Quite often the housing application will be a part of your application to your host university, but this depends on each institution – some universities require a separate application for housing.




 

Can I find my own accommodation?

Yes, you are certainly permitted to find your own accommodation off campus if you prefer. If you choose to do this, it’s important to remember that it may be more difficult to meet people and make friends.

Some universities (for example, some universities in France) do not have on-campus housing, but do have accommodation services that offer options to assist students in finding suitable housing. The exchange office at your host university will be able to help you with this.

You may find it useful to book a week or two in a local hostel when you first arrive in your host country. This will give you time to familiarize yourself with the area and find out about available accommodation.



 

Will I need to make my own travel arrangements?

Yes, you are required to make your own travel arrangements. Most students will choose to undertake broader travel either before their exchange commences or at the end of it. There are many travel agents and providers and we recommend you shop around for the best price. Good places to start are STA Travel (the one on campus is located in the U @ MQ building, next to the Study Abroad & Exchange Office) and Flight Centre (there is one in the Macquarie Shopping Centre).



 

When should I book my flights?

We usually advise that you not purchase your plane ticket until the Macquarie Abroad Office has notified you of your official acceptance to the Host University. Should you choose to buy the airfare before this time due to limited flights or prior arrangements, you assume all risk of loss of funds.

STA Travel (Macquarie University campus ONLY) has made a special arrangement for students participating in the Exchange Program. You can make a booking with them as soon as you are accepted into the program and if you need to withdraw from the program (if you are not accepted by your nominated host university) you will receive your deposit back in full (this is usually $150). In this case you will need to provide a letter from the host university.



 

Do I need to buy Travel Insurance?

As a student accepted to participate in an exchange program, you can be covered by the Macquarie University Travel Insurance Policy for your exchange semester if this policy meets your personal needs. Your Exchange Adviser will provide you with the insurance PDS prior to your departure so you can decide whether or not the policy meets your needs.

If you opt for coverage under the Macquarie University policy, you will be covered from the first day you are required to be at your host university until the last day of semester (usually the last day of exams). This policy also covers you for an additional 7 days of "leisure travel time", which can be used either before or after your semester, or both (but only up to a grand total of 7 days).

If you plan to travel for any extra period of time outside these dates, purchasing alternative Health and Travel insurance before you leave is required and mandatory for anyone going on exchange. This insurance needs to cover you for the duration of your studies and any additional 'leisure travel' undertaken.

Many universities, especially in the USA and Canada, require you to purchase an insurance policy through them directly from that university. For some, if you can prove that the insurance you already have is equal to or better than the host university’s policy, you will be permitted to submit a waiver, exempting you from purchasing their insurance. For others, despite being covered by Macquarie’s insurance, you will still be required to purchase their insurance.

These policies vary from university to university so it is important to find out exactly what the requirements are and make sure you are properly covered for the entire time you are away. Please refer to the Travel Insurance Policy for more information.



 

Will I need to get a student visa? What are the steps?

Most students will need to get a student visa in order to enter their host country. Obtaining a visa is your responsibility, as is abiding by its conditions.

You will apply for your visa after your official acceptance into the Macquarie University Student Exchange Program and after you have been accepted by your host university.

Your official acceptance by your host university may simply be in the form of a letter of acceptance, or it may be a more sophisticated form of visa documentation (particularly in the case of the USA). You will be required to take this official documentation to the appropriate Consulate to apply for your student visa.

If you hold multiple passports, such as an Australian passport and a British passport, we encourage you to obtain a student visa and travel using your Australian passport.

Again, please note that arranging your visa will be your responsibility. The staff at Macquarie International are not authorized to give any specific advice relating to visas.



 

What fees will I have to pay? Will a semester on exchange cost more than a semester at Macquarie?

Whilst on exchange you will be enrolled as a full time Macquarie student and will be required to pay your HECS (upfront or deferred). If you are an international student you will be required to pay your international fees to Macquarie University. You are not required to pay tuition fees at the Host University. You will not be required to pay your Student Activites Fee to Macquarie.

You will be billed according to the unit you are taking overseas. For example, if you are taking a unit overseas that is equivalent to a 4cp 200 level BBA course here at Macquarie, you will be charged for a 4cp 200 level BBA course.

Some overseas universities may also require students to pay a compulsory fee for access to the gymnasium and sporting facilities, or for other services (for example, the Berlin School of Economics requires that students pay a fee for a student ID card and a ticket which then gives them access to free public transport).

Occasionally, students studying languages at certain institutions will be required to pay fees for intensive language courses. These costs can range anywhere from $500USD to $2000USD. You will be informed by your advisor if these fees are applicable to you.

Remember that as a participant in the exchange program you will receive a Travel Grant! However, in general, students do spend more money on a semester of exchange than they would at home due to several factors. The most obvious is factor is travel. In addition to your flight overseas, you will have extra expenses related to local and regional transport, sightseeing and activities. Although these are an added expense, we encourage you to take advantage of travel opportunities if you can afford it—being able to travel to regional areas or even surrounding countries on weekends or during universities breaks is one of the great things about being on exchange! Some students also will spend more money than at home due to entertainment costs; this will depend on your lifestyle and choices. Additionally, you should consider the current Australian currency exchange rate when estimating your costs.


 

How much money will I need to save up?

The cost of living varies tremendously across different countries and cities.  Your lifestyle will also have an impact on your costs. It is wise to create a budget for yourself.

You should consider the following costs:

  • Airfare
  • Accommodation -- Will you be sharing a flat or living in a residential college? Are you going to a major city or a smaller town?
  • Meals -- Will you be living in a residential college with a meal plan? Are you willing to cook for yourself? Do you like to eat out at restaurants a lot?
  • Local transport -- Will you be living on campus? Will you have to commute to uni each day?
  • Other living expenses including utilities -- Will you be sharing a flat with other students? Will utilities be included in the rent?
  • Local travel and activities -- How much travelling to you plan to do?
  • Entertainment expenses -- How often do you go out to bars, nightclubs, and concerts?
  • Textbooks
  • Any additional activities fees (i.e. science lab costs, class field trips)
  • Extra travel insurance

You should also keep in mind the current AUD conversion rate and consult a Currency Converter as this will also have an impact on the level of your costs.


 

Can I work part-time whilst on exchange?

This depends on the country in which you choose to study.

In many countries you are eligible to work 20 hours per week, although this may be restricted to employment within the university. Check with the relevant consulate or embassy to find out the most up-to-date information in regards to your proposed region.



 

How does the Macquarie Mobility Scholarship scheme work?

Macquarie has by far the most generous International Mobility Scholarship Scheme in the country. The Vice-Chancellor has allocated more than 10 times the amount that most other universities set aside for travel grants.



 

Do I have to apply for a Mobility Scholarship?

If you are going on exchange there is no need to apply for a mobility scholarship, as they are automatically granted to students going abroad on a Macquarie University facilitated exchange program.



 

How long will it take to get my Mobility Scholarship?

Prior to your departure, your Exchange Adviser will provide you with a Banking Details & Travel Dates form.  In order to process your Mobility Scholarship, we require a record of your travel (arrival/departure) dates, your semester dates, and the details of your nominated Australian bank account.  Without all of this information we will be unable to process your Mobility Scholarship.  Once the information is received, your scholarship will be processed and will be deposited into your nominated bank account. Please note that the standard processing time for payment of scholarships is 4-8 weeks. 



 

What are UMAP Scholarships?

The Australian University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) Program is an initiative of the Australian Department of Education, Science and Training designed to encourage student mobility within the region. Each year Macquarie University applies for UMAP scholarships to assist students with the costs of participating in the exchange program with partner institutions.

UMAP scholarships are available for a variety of countries and institutions and vary each year. Scholarships are available to successful exchange applicants participating in undergraduate programs and must be Australian citizens. Students are encouraged to contact the Exchange Office in the Campus Hub (C10A) building to learn more about available scholarships.


 

Can I continue to receive Youth Allowance on exchange?

If you are currently receiving Youth Allowance, you will generally continue to be eligible whilst on exchange, however it is a good idea to check your status with Centrelink. Macquarie Abroad will write you a letter which states that you will be a full-time enrolled student whilst on exchange. These letters are automatically issued upon acceptance into the program, and can be taken to a Centrelink office to continue payment.

 

What is the OS-HELP Loan?

The OS-HELP loan is an Australian government initiative with the aim of assisting students while studying overseas. This is a loan and not a scholarship, and the amount borrowed must be repaid to the government.

To be eligible you must:

  • Be an Australian citizen (or the holder of a permanent humanitarian Visa)
  • Be an undergraduate, Commonwealth Assisted (HECS) student
  • Have completed at least one full year of your degree at Macquarie
  • Have at least one full semester of your degree to complete at Macquarie upon your return after exchange. Students completing their final semester overseas are not eligible for OS-Help.
  • Be studying full-time while overseas
  • Not have received the loan more than once before

How it works:

For 2011 you are able to apply for up to $5611 a semester. In total, you are permitted to borrow this full amount twice, once per semester for a maximum of two semesters. The money is a loan which is added to your HECS debt, so it’s a good idea to think seriously about whether you are in a position to apply for it, as you will be required to pay it back.

There is no fee attached to this loan- the amount you apply for will be the amount you are required to pay back.

Please note that loans are not guaranteed so it is important that you do not depend on the funds until you receive official notification that your application has been approved. Successful loan applicants will potentially receive their money at the very earliest 6 weeks before their semester start date at their host university (ie. the  first day of classes at your host uni). However, students generally receive their money closer to their start date and sometimes not until the first few weeks of their semester overseas.



 

What is the Steven and Claire Schwartz International Enrichment Scholarship?

The Steven and Claire Schwartz International Enrichment Scholarship provides financial support for undergraduate students interested in participating in the University's Student Exchange program by completing a semester of study at a university in either the USA or Scotland. More information and contact details are available here: http://www.alumni.mq.edu.au/students/

Interested students can apply online here: Steven and Claire Schwartz International Enrichment Scholarship Application

Applications close 31st August, 2011.



 

What is the Chinese Government Scholarship?

Applications now open for 2012 Chinese Government Scholarship - assisting Australian students studying in China.

The Chinese Government Scholarship is established by Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE) to provide full or partial scholarships to international students and scholars. The scheme supports students who come to study in China as undergraduates, postgraduates, Chinese language students, general scholars and senior scholars in all areas of study, including science, technology, agriculture, medicine, economics, law, management, education, history, liberal arts and philosophy. Please note: The Chinese Government Scholarship cannot be taken in conjunction with a Macquarie University student exchange.

Applicants must submit online application first via www.csc.edu.cn/Laihua (click English, please use organisation No. 0361). When complete, download and print the application (PDF file), submit it with your supporting documentation (including the Physical Medical Examination Form) to the Global Programs Team (level 1, EMC2 Building, Innovation Road, Macquarie University, gpt@mq.edu.au) by Friday 30 March 2012. The GPT will coordinate the review and recommendations of applications and submit to the Education Office of Chinese Consulate in Sydney by 15 April 2012.

Enquiries about the details of the scholarship should be directed to:

Mr Feng HONG, Consul
Education Office, Consulate General of P.R. China in Sydney
19 Anzac Parade Kensington NSW 2033
Tel: 02-96973483 or 02-96621723
Fax: 02-96973368
Email: hongfeng@moe.edu.cn