The Freshman Abroad Program
Program overview
What is Freshman Abroad all about?
Please note that the information below may vary for students coming to Swinburne on a tailored Freshman Abroad program, organised by their home institution.
Does experience make the best education? At Swinburne, we think so.
The Freshman Abroad program is an opportunity to learn in your chosen field – and soak up a Melbourne lifestyle at the same time. You’ll get credit towards your home degree. And, with an international edge to your studies, you’ll be seen as a more interesting choice for prospective employers.
We recognise the first year of college and university is important. Spending your first year of university in another country is an even greater step.
Swinburne is small and student-focused – we are prepared in every way to welcome and nurture students from abroad.
Our Freshman Abroad program provides you with the opportunity to:
- Experience university life at Melbourne's best university for Teaching Quality*
- Undertake approved subjects of study for credit towards your university / college degree back home
- Enhance cross-cultural and communication skills
- Gain an understanding of Australia’s culture, history, natural and social environment
* The Good Universities Guide 2007–2011
The program runs from late July to late November, so you can return home in time to enrol for spring semester.
Program calendar
What dates do I need to note?
| 2011 Program Dates | |
| August 1 – 5 | Orientation Week |
| August 8 | Classes start |
| November 4 | Classes finish |
| November 14 – 25 | Exam period |
| November 26 | Program ends |
Applications close May 1, 2011.
Campuses
Where will I study?
Swinburne gives you a choice of lifestyle – depending on how you like to live and how you like to study.
We have five campuses in total around the inner and eastern suburbs of Melbourne, plus one in Sarawak, Malaysia.
The Freshman Abroad Program is available at the Hawthorn, Lilydale and Prahran campuses. Each campus has an active student community with its own character and range of specialised courses and services.
All Freshman Abroad students will be guaranteed on-campus accommodation.
Swinburne’s main campus at Hawthorn is situated next to the busy Glenferrie Road. There are plenty on- and off-campus entertainment and dining options.
- 14,500 students
- 8 km from the city
- 10–15 minutes by train
Our alumni told us they love Hawthorn because...
- The train station is practically on campus. There’s a tram line too.
- It’s set amongst cafes, boutiques, bookshops, retail shops, banks, supermarkets, patisseries, restaurants and everything you need.
- This campus is so lively. It’s friendly and a fun place to be.
Located next to Melbourne’s premier fashion district, Chapel Street.
- 2000 students
- 6 km from the city
- 10 minutes by train
Our alumni told us they love Prahran because...
- The train station is around the corner. Easy to find. Trams run past campus.
- Everyone knows Chapel Street – it’s famous for its restaurants, shops, cafes and there’s so much to see.
- Definitely a vibrant and cool place to study;
Our Lilydale campus is located at the edge of the picturesque and scenic Yarra Valley. Surrounded by bushland and expanses of parkland, Lilydale gives you a more rural experience, while still being close enough to the city for social opportunities.
- 1900 students
- 40 km from the city
- 50–60 minutes by train
Our alumni told us they love Lilydale because...
- The campus is in a beautiful setting. It’s green and natural.
- It’s easy meeting other students and making friends with locals.
- It’s in the Yarra Valley –famous for its wineries and wildlife sanctuary.
Fees and Inclusions
Your fees will include the following services and benefits.
- Online pre-departure orientation and support
- On-campus Swinburne Welcome orientation program
- Free airport reception and transfers to your pre-arranged housing
- Guaranteed on-campus accommodation
- Swinburne Abroad advisers – dedicated to understanding the needs of Freshman students
- In-country support provided by Swinburne International
- 24/7 Swinburne emergency contact
- Health insurance
- Student development and counselling services support sessions
- End-of-program certificate ceremony
- Official Swinburne transcript
- Extracurricular activities
We also offer additional specialised support services to help you make a smooth transition to university life in Melbourne.
Housing
You will be guaranteed on-campus housing. The cost is included in your Freshman Abroad Program fees.
Students studying Academic Streams 1 and 3 will live at the Swinburne Place Apartments (UniLodge) at Hawthorn campus.
Students choosing Academic Stream 2 offered at the Lilydale campus will be accommodated at Lilydale Student Village.
