21 August 2008
Students at Monash campuses in Australia and South Africa are being offered packages worth around A$6,000 to encourage them to study in Malaysia, as part of a new University initiative to encourage international networks.
The new $360,000 initiative will provide up to 60 Monash students with free return flights to Malaysia, free accommodation for either one or two Semesters, and $3500 in cash to cover other expenses. The exchange offer is one of the most generous general offers available for exchange students in the world.
The program is part of the Monash Passport, a bold new system of education which draws together outstanding teaching techniques and learning opportunities from around the globe, providing students with a unique research-inspired passport to opportunity.
Monash University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Adam Shoemaker said the package had been initiated in recognition of the costs that confront many students who wish to pursue part of their degree overseas and also the value of an offshore study experience to Monash graduates.
"Monash is one of the world's most internationalised universities with campuses on three continents and a network of alumni across the world. To compete in the global economy, Australia must invest in providing our future corporate and social leaders with an international experience," Professor Shoemaker said.
"Studying at a Monash campus offshore for one or two semesters gives students a valuable insight into Asia or Africa, while ensuring an easy transition and guarantee of quality by studying at a Monash campus offshore."
"We don't believe that Australia will prosper by waiting for the world to come to us and so we have developed one of the most attractive exchange packages in the world to encourage our students to complete part of their degree offshore."
"This is an important investment in the future of our economy and our community and we are working to encourage as many students as possible to take part in exchange so that in time it will be expected, rather than a rare option."
Students will study at the University's new campus in Kuala Lumpur, opened last year at a cost of $A80 million. Monash was the first foreign university to establish a fully-fledged campus in Malaysia and has operated for more than 10 years in the Sunway area of the Malaysian capital.
Students who did not travel would still receive an international experience because of the University's dedication to attracting leading students and staff from around the world through its commitment to international languages and cultures and through the development of a range of programs that make it essential for students to examine international cases or to experience global projects.
"Very few universities around the world have evolved an international footprint as significant as we have at Monash and the Monash Passport will ensure that every student will have the opportunity to benefit from that in the future. That's good news for students but also great news for employers and the broader community, because of the qualities and insights a Monash graduate will possess."
For more information contact Tim Mitchell on +61 437 457780 or +61 3 9903 4840, by email at media@adm.monash.edu.au or visit the Monash University website.
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