A whānau’s guide to student exchange

Your student has just announced that they want to go on a student exchange while they’re at AUT. As a member of their whānau, you’re probably proud of their adventurous spirit, but may also be feeling a bit anxious about this big step. This is completely normal – studying overseas is one of the most significant experiences your student can have during their university years, but it also requires a bit of planning.

What exactly is a student exchange programme?

Student exchange programmes enable your student to study at a partner university overseas while remaining enrolled at AUT. They'll typically spend one semester overseas, with their grades and credits transferring back to count towards their AUT degree.

AUT has partnerships with universities worldwide, offering exchanges in countries from Canada to Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore and beyond through the AUT Global student exchange programme. Your student will continue paying their usual tuition fees to AUT, but they'll need to cover accommodation, living expenses and travel costs for their time abroad.

Our students return from exchange with greater cultural awareness and global perspectives valued by employers. They often report increased confidence, independence and adaptability – skills that serve them well throughout their careers.

_{Eligible AUT students can spend a semester at one of our partner universities (pictured: Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Spain)}

Is my student ready for this experience?

This is often the first question whānau ask, and it's an important one. AUT requires exchange students to have completed at least one full year of study by the time their exchange begins (for most degree subjects, exchanges must take place in the second year of the degree) and maintain a B average or higher. But academic readiness is just one piece of the puzzle.

Consider whether your student has shown independence in managing their finances, studies and daily life. While exchange programmes offer excellent support systems, students need to be comfortable navigating challenges in an unfamiliar environment. That said, don't underestimate your student's ability to rise to the challenge. Many students find that the exchange experience helps them develop the independence and resilience they need to succeed.

What about safety and wellbeing?

Your student's safety abroad is naturally a top concern. AUT's exchange programme has comprehensive support systems in place, both at AUT and at our partner universities. Before departure, the AUT Global exchange manager will run a thorough pre-departure session to provide your student with all the info they need to make the most of their time overseas.

Once your student is overseas, they will be looked after by our quality partner university; just like they would here at AUT. Your student’s host university will provide orientation programmes and a wide range of support services to help them settle into their new environment.

How much will this cost, and how can we fund it?

The financial aspect can feel overwhelming, but there are more options available than you might think. Costs vary dramatically depending on the destination – a semester in parts of Asia might cost less than time in major American cities.

AUT offers several scholarships for students going on exchange, including the AUT Global Exchange Scholarship as well as faculty-specific scholarships.

For students receiving StudyLink support while at AUT, this can continue while taking part in an exchange and just requires a simple form to be filled in which AUT Global will share with students as part of the process. The loan is also eligible to remain interest free even while your student is overseas for the exchange, as they will still be enrolled for the semester with AUT and it is incorporated as part of their degree in New Zealand. A letter of proof can be provided for IRD if this is required.

It is important for students to spend some time working on a budget for this experience and mapping out rough costs they can expect to be paying each month so that they have a plan in place to save effectively, and to manage that money wisely while overseas. Numbeo’s cost of living tool is a great resource to use to support this budget planning for destinations your student is interested in going to.

How will this affect their degree progress?

One common worry is whether an exchange will delay graduation. In most cases, if planned carefully with your student’s faculty or school, exchange study integrates seamlessly into your student’s degree pathway. The key is working closely with both their faculty co-ordinator to ensure courses taken abroad will transfer back and count towards their AUT degree requirements.

_{A student exchange is a significant investment in your student's education and personal development}

How to prepare for the exchange application process

Starting early gives your student the best chance of securing their preferred destination and make the most of their student exchange:

• Planning ahead: Planning should begin at least 12-18 months before your student’s intended departure date – to see how the process works check how to apply for a student exchange
• Staying flexible: It’s important for students to remain as flexible as possible with locations and ensure they have researched more than one host university option. There are a limited number of exchange spaces per partner each year, so a specific partner cannot be guaranteed. AUT Global encourages students to ensure they are happy to attend any the host options they put on their application form.
• Academic preparation: Help your student maintain strong grades, as academic performance is crucial in exchange selection
• Language requirements: Check if your student’s chosen host university requires proof of English proficiency or knowledge of the host country's language
• Financial planning: Start saving early and research costs for different destinations
• Passport: Ensure your student's passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended return date
• Visa: Check if a visa is required for the destination countries being considered, not all locations need one for certain nationalities if students are spending under 6 months there
• Personal development: Encourage independence through experiences like part-time work or travel

Career readiness

An exchange semester is undoubtably a chance for students to embed adventure and travel within their degree programme, but it is first and foremost an academic experience that can have a profound positive impact on their career readiness.

Research recently conducted by The Forum on Education Abroad for their ‘The Career Catalyst’ campaign found clear evidence that taking part in an academic experience overseas is an accelerator for building leadership, growth and future career success for students. Alongside this, students develop critical skills that employers are looking for including; adaptability and agility, communication skills, cultural intelligence and sensitivity, language and interpersonal confidence, network growth and problem-solving in complex situations.

If you are wondering how this experience can translate into real-world metrics, have a look at their findings for US based students who have studied abroad:

• 50% median percentage of career success their alumni research cohort attribute to studying abroad
• +$4,159 salary bump in first job for business students who studied abroad
• 90% alumni said that studying abroad helped them build job skills

These trends regarding outcomes of a study abroad experience are mirrored in research conducted by the International Education Association of Australia too. Published in 2019, their ‘Career Outcomes of Learning Abroad’ study surveyed over 3,000 study abroad alumni from universities across Australia and found:

• 95% of respondents rated their learning abroad experience as important or very important for developing the critical skills employers are looking for (the same ones identified above)
• 59% of respondents agreed that learning abroad had a positive impact on obtaining their first career-related job after graduation

So while your student is likely excited for the prospect of exploring a new country and culture and making new friends, and this is definitely a key part of an exchange experience, it’s important not to underestimate the impact this could have for their future employment too.

Reflecting effectively on their experience when they return will ensure they can leverage their experience well once they graduate. The AUT Employability Lab can support them to do so through helping to develop an elevator pitch about their exchange, adding relevant information to LinkedIn profiles, and practicing behaviour-based interview questions to showcase their time abroad.

How can I support my student while they’re on exchange?

Your support is crucial, even from a distance. Stay connected through regular communication but give your student space to navigate their new environment independently. Be prepared for the emotional ups and downs that come with adjusting to a new culture and environment.

Taking the next step

If your student is serious about going on a student exchange, they should explore the AUT Global student exchange information for available destinations, application processes and the experiences of previous student exchange students. AUT also hosts regular information sessions where your student can meet staff and former student exchange students.

Remember that a student exchange is a significant investment in your student's education and personal development. While it requires careful planning and financial commitment, it can be one of the most transformative experiences of their university years.