Deakin Warrnambool Campus calls for study abroad candidates for 2019

Deakin Warrnambool Campus Director Alistair McCosh said an enrolment with Deakin University opened the door for regional students to study overseas units as part of the Deakin Abroad program, which is now recruiting for 2019.

"Studying at Deakin Warrnambool Campus can take you anywhere in the world, and the Deakin Abroad program is a great way for students to expand their learning experience," Mr McCosh said.

"For example, a marine biology student at Deakin Warrnambool Campus not only has access to our world-renowned marine sciences facilities and ecological research centres, but they can also apply through the Deakin Abroad program to experience other marine courses, such as those at Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu."

Deakin has partnerships with more than 200 universities in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Canada, Europe, Latin America, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Deakin Bachelor of Environmental Science (Marine Biology) student Alexandra Clark, who is based at the Warrnambool Campus, just completed a semester abroad at Hawaii Pacific University. Ms Clark also previously spent time working on a turtle conservation project in Costa Rica as part of the Deakin Abroad program.

"Both experiences have been some of the greatest of my life and it's been great to be able to travel and gain new skills while also completing my degree," she said.

"I grew up in Melbourne but always visited Port Fairy with my family every year so studying at Warrnambool was an easy choice to make. I've found Deakin to be really good at providing opportunities for unique, fun and educational experiences that allow students to grow and expand our networks."

US University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student Elizabeth Barman, who has just completed her first trimester at Deakin Warrnambool Campus as part of the program, said studying abroad had been a rewarding adventure.

"I love studying in Australia," Ms Barman said.

"This country is so beautiful, the teachers are helpful and kind, the classes are hands-on, and I'm learning the skills I'll need once I go out into the workforce.

"My favourite part of living in Warrnambool is being by the ocean. I grew up by a lake, but the ocean here has so much personality – it's spunky and wild one minute and the next it can be tame and calm.

"I've made heaps of new friends here too, though it's been challenging adjusting to a different culture. I've felt like a kid again, trying to learn everything, but overall it's been an incredible rollercoaster ride that I never want to get off of."

A fourth-year marine biology student, Ms Barman said her study abroad experience in Warrnambool had shaped her plans for the future.

"I always thought I'd do marine rehabilitation but after being here for a while and falling in love with the ocean in person, I want to do marine mammal research," she said.

"I was lucky enough to volunteer with the Middle Island Maremma Penguin Project this year and it's encouraged me to do research. Scientists are always learning new behaviours from animals, and I'd love to work in a field that focuses on that."

Deakin Abroad Senior Manager Victoria Heron said the University was dedicated to supporting students to take up part of their degree overseas, no matter what their interests or preferred subjects.

"Our programs are in partnership with international universities or independent partners, so opportunities are available all over the world, from small townships to major cities," Ms Heron said.

"Programs include trimester study at an international partner university, short term partner programs, internships, and volunteer programs.

"They're a fantastic way for students to shape their future and demonstrate initiative, adaptability, courage and cultural awareness to employers. Students who complete internships abroad also expand their professional networks and career opportunities significantly."

More information on the Deakin Abroad program is available at deakin.edu.au/students/studying/deakin-abroad