Choosing the right destination is an important decision. We recommend that you follow these procedures to organise your overseas experience:
1) Consider your motivation
Consider why you are interested in undertaking research overseas? Do you wish to:
- Gain international industry experience
- Enhance your area of research
- Go to a specific country or region
- Go to a specific institution
2) Find out about your options
Each term the Study Abroad and Exchange Office hold information sessions about international experiences including exchange, research, short courses, internships etc that are available to UNSW students. These sessions provide general information on studying overseas and how to begin researching universities. These sessions are a good opportunity to ask questions and gather information.
Once you've attended an information session and begin researching foreign universities and you can also discuss your plans with our Learning Abroad Advisors.
3) Discuss your proposal with your UNSW supervisor or faculty
You should discuss your proposed research options with your UNSW Supervisor, UNSW Program Coordinator or Faculty and gain their approval. UNSW staff have connections and world-wide experience thus may be able to assist with formulating a plan.
4) Find and contact a supervisor
Research potential supervisors at foreign universities and ask if they are willing to host you. When looking for a supervisor, it's important to align the area you wish to research with that of the proposed supervisor. Supervisors are often found through UNSW staff connections with our partner institutions. We would recommend that students speak with their UNSW supervisor or school staff for recommendations.
If there's no existing research connection, we recommend researching authors of journal articles related to your research area or searching the staff and research web pages of institutions you are interested in.
Once you have identified a potential supervisor you should email them to introduce yourself and area of research interest. We have an email template that students are welcome to use - contact advisor4globaled@unsw.edu.au for a copy.
5) Prepare and lodge your application
Once you have found a supervisor who has agreed to take you on you should investigate the application process at the host institution. If required complete any application from the host institution according to their deadlines. Please note that the application process and deadlines will vary according to the institution. As a general rule organise the research placement at least 6 months before your proposed start date.
Postgraduate research students should also seek approval from the UNSW Graduate Research School through a Variations to Candidature | UNSW Research.
6) Notification of acceptance
The decision on your acceptance is at the discretion of the overseas institution. If accepted the institution will send you notification of your application information on your enrolment, associated fees and visa requirements.
When you have been accepted, email UNSW at advisor4globaled@unsw.edu.au with details of your overseas research experience, including the foreign university, topic of research and duration of overseas research experience.
You will then be provided with the necessary pre-departure and insurance materials.
My research experience at the University of Northern Arizona USA was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my PhD studies and it makes me proud to be a UNSW student.
