The growing importance of international work experience for university graduates will be highlighted when Charles Sturt University (CSU) launches its new student mobility initiative, CSU Global, on Monday 23 February.CSU Global has been established by the CSU Office of International Relations with the aim to increase undergraduate student participation in international experiences from 0.6 per cent in 2006 to 10 per cent by 2011.
The Vice-Chancellor and President of CSU, Professor Ian Goulter, said “In an increasingly competitive marketplace, international experience is seen as an important graduate attribute.
“Eighty one per cent of employers say that graduates who undertake an overseas experience return to Australia with enhanced skills that are applicable to the workplace.[1]
“CSU Global will provide our students with the opportunity to explore other cultures, broaden their life experiences and make new friends, while obtaining their degree.
“CSU Global will expand current programs, build new opportunities, assist Faculties to identify and develop overseas study opportunities for their undergraduate students, contribute to the internationalisation of the CSU community, and create an awareness of international opportunities for students,” Professor Goulter said.
The Manager of CSU Global, Ms Alexandra Elibank-Murray, explained that CSU Global will provide a suite of international programs for undergraduate students, whether they study internally at CSU or by distance education.
“The options for students will include Student Exchange Programs, where students can study part of their degree overseas at one of our 30 partner institutions worldwide,” she said.
“There will be Faculty-led short-term programs where a variety of academic study tours and programs overseas are available for students to take during their holidays, and external provider short-term programs will enable study tours and international experiences ranging across broad interest areas.
“There is also scope for students to complete part or all of their practicum or internship abroad, as well as opportunities to volunteer internationally and in the near future CSU students will have access to GAP programs.
“Importantly CSU Global is also able to provide students with access to generous scholarships and grants to enable them to undertake overseas programs,” Ms Elibank-Murray said.
[1] From The Attitudes and perceptions of Australian employers towards an overseas experience, QETI and IEAA. Sep 2006
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