Passport offers generous international exchange package

Students at Monash campuses in Australia and South Africa are being offered packages worth more than 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 study offer, initiated by the Sunway campus, is part of the Monash Passport, a bold new system of education that draws together outstanding teaching techniques and learning opportunities from around the globe.

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.

"We don't believe that Australia will prosper by waiting for the world to come to us," Professor Shoemaker said. "We need to make the world our campus.

"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 the exchange so that in time it will be expected, rather than a rare option."