A typical undergraduate program in North America requires four years for completion and includes a selection of electives as well as required core classes relevant to the field of study. While this path does provide a solid education, some students may prefer a different approach in working toward their undergraduate degree. Australia and New Zealand both offer viable alternatives well worth consideration. With their unique approach to curriculum structure and focus, New Zealand and Australia undergraduate programs deliver an outstanding education and an ideal alternative for students that prefer such flexibility.

Making the Most of Your Time

North American universities typically require four years of work to earn a bachelor degree. Australia and New Zealand universities, however, offer many undergraduate programs that only require three years to complete. At first glance, one may wonder how it is possible to receive a comparable education in less time at these colleges. Because there are considerable differences in the curriculum focus and structure between a North America and New Zealand or Australia undergraduate program, it is in fact quite possible.

Australia and New Zealand undergraduate programs are highly specialized. Rather than require the completion of a set number of electives unrelated to the core field of study, these programs instead require students to focus entirely upon classes in their discipline. As a result, students have a greater amount of time to become immersed in their selected field of study, yet need less time to meet the requirements of an undergraduate degree. New Zealand and Australian universities, as a result, prepare students for real world application of their studies more expediently.

It should be noted, however, that some specialized and professional degree programs do require a fourth year, an example would be an engineering undergraduate degree. New Zealand and Australia colleges also offer 4th year program called a Bachelor of Honors. This involves a research-focused year and is made available to students who performed well in their undergraduate programs. Students typically apply for this extended program upon completion of their Australia or New Zealand undergraduate degree.

How Do the Programs Compare?

While they offer appealing time requirements for a bachelor degree, Australia and New Zealand universities also offer unparalleled academic programs. In fact, these institutions are recognized around the world for excellence in teaching methods, curriculum standards and implementation of degree programs. Students can feel absolute confidence in the value and quality of their studies when earning an undergraduate degree in Australia or New Zealand.

For graduate students interested in pursuing a doctorate, New Zealand and Australia offer compelling programs well worth consideration. Universities in both countries provide doctoral programs that are research driven and include little class work. While most programs in North American institutions involve a greater amount of class work, PhD study in Australia and New Zealand provide students with a greater opportunity to make actual contributions to their field through research.

To earn a PhD, Australia and New Zealand universities typically require students to complete three years of work. During this time, students are provided with access to world-class research facilities. In addition to top-notch resources, those studying for a doctorate in Australia or New Zealand are matched with a faculty member that acts as a supervisor. Support is readily available to insure doctoral candidates can take full advantage of all available opportunities.

Requirements for PhD Study in Australia and New Zealand

To be considered for a PhD, Australia and New Zealand universities require students to complete a Master’s degree first. In fact, if a Master’s degree is missing, universities inevitably delay processing the application altogether. To get on track for PhD study in Australia or New Zealand, it is recommended that students first enroll in a Master’s program. After some time, it will be possible to convert to a PhD program within the university.

Applying for a doctorate in New Zealand and Australia

The application process for a PhD program is more time consuming than for undergraduate degrees since the degree itself is more customized and research driven. A descriptive outline of the intended research as well as a current CV is required to apply for a Doctorate. New Zealand and Australia universities then use this information to match doctoral candidates with supervisors from their faculty. The quality of this match is critical for doctoral candidates, as supervisors play a significant support role in the process. For this reasons, candidates do well to consider potential supervisors as well as potential universities when applying for PhD study in Australia or New Zealand.

While the level of academic excellence is consistent between any college in Australia, Fiji and New Zealand, students are well served researching the institutions, the programs offered and the location before deciding upon any one school. Much like choosing a university at home, finding a good fit requires some matching what is needed to what is offered.

Evaluating the Schools

In Fiji, New Zealand and Australia, colleges have a distinct culture of their own, as is the case with any university. Students interested in studying abroad, as a result, should consider the size of the school, average class size, teaching style, etc. The goal is to match the ‘vibe’ of any school with the student.

To determine whether a particular New Zealand college or a school in Fiji or Australia is a good choice, students should consider how their learning style, personality and preferred environment needs are met by it. If a student feels more comfortable in smaller classes, for example, focusing on smaller colleges in Australia or the other countries that provide this environment is best.

Using the school itself as the initial criteria for evaluating a college in Fiji, Australia or New Zealand helps to narrow the options and focus your search.

Research the programs

After identifying the desired environment and culture of a New Zealand, Fiji or Australia college, the next step is to determine which offers a program that meets your academic goals. In some cases, this may be clear cut, determining whether or not an ecology program is offered, for example. Students with more specialized academic needs, however, need to identify which Australia college or other school provides relevant programs with a more finely-tuned focus. Some schools offer unique, specialized programs not available at other colleges in New Zealand or even in the region. This can be a deciding factor depending upon a student’s academic goals.

Consider the location

In addition to the school and the program, the location of a college in Australia, New Zealand or Fiji should be given some consideration as well. Some are situated in major cities, while others are located in smaller communities. Some are near the region’s spectacular beaches while other Australia and New Zealand colleges are further inland. The location of a school can effect the type of programs offered, but it can also effect how well it meets a student’s needs.

The experience of studying abroad most certainly is an academic experience first and foremost, however, it is also a cultural life experience. Students need to consider how well a college’s location meets their needs from this aspect as well.

By taking considerations of the university, program and location into consideration, it becomes easier for students to identify which college in Fiji, New Zealand or Australia is the best fit. The better a school fits the student’s needs, the more positive the experience of studying abroad will be.

There are times when you are studying in college when you need a change of pace. This can be for any number of reasons. Perhaps you have studied only in North American schools where subjects are taught in a particular way, and you desire to experience your educational focus from a different perspective. You might be wondering how you can set your resume out ahead of other college graduates. You may just want to explore the world and go to school at the same time. No matter what the reason, you will find a wealth of opportunities to explore study abroad Asia programs online.

There are many ways to study abroad in Asia. You could select a year-long study abroad China program, or a shorter semester abroad Japan program. In either example, a quality educational liaison will help you enroll in a university located in China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand or other Asian countries. Classes for foreign exchange students participating in a study abroad Asia program are occasionally offered in English, with intensive language studies in the host country language available if you choose to partake.

The courses that you take overseas as part of a study abroad China or Japan program, because they are university credits, should transfer to your current college or university. It does make sense to check with your home university academic guidance counselor to ensure that credits earned in a study Abroad Asia program will apply to your degree program back home.

Good study abroad China programs will also ensure that you are comfortable and safe while studying away from home. You will want to seek out a program that offers guaranteed housing in your host country. It is also helpful if there is some kind of introductory period when you first arrive in the host country, so that the program advisors can offer tips and help you make the successful transition to living and studying in a different culture. For your safety, day and night emergency help should be available to not only you but also your parents and the advisors of your foreign exchange program while you are in country.

Financing a trip on a Study Abroad Asia program is not all that difficult. You may find that you can use student aid from your home university to help pay for the foreign study experience.

It is always wise to talk to students who have gone on the semester abroad Japan program, or other Asian destination program, that you might be considering. Alumni of the Asian study program should be able to share their experiences and offer good advice about the program and how it helped them after they returned home.