Field schools and exchanges

Why go on exchange to Southeast Asia?

Whether or not you are studying subjects relating to Southeast Asia, countries in this region are an ideal destination for Australian students. Here are some reasons:

Short distance: Studying in Southeast Asia does not involve a long-haul, 24-hour flight. You can be at your destination within eight hours.

Study in English: In Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, international exchange students can nominate to study in English.

Learn another language: From memorising some key phrases (or more) to honing your language skills, speaking another language is a fun experience that will give you a competitive edge on the job market! 

Low cost: The cost of living in Southeast Asia is much cheaper than being a student in Europe or the United States, leaving you plenty of extra cash to explore other countries in the region.

There are a number of exciting ways that University of Sydney students can participate in study programs in Southeast Asian countries.

Our offshore study opportunities around the world include:

• field schools
• exchange and study abroad programs
• Australian Consortium for 'In-Country' Indonesian Studies (ACICIS) programs

Students from the University’s Wesley College can participate in the Overseas Study Experience that involves studying, working and travelling in Southeast Asia.

Our flagship multidisciplinary field schools

Our flagship field schools bring students from different disciplines together to tackle a real-world problem specific to a country in the region. Our students have undertaken interdisciplinary field schools in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. We do not currently have any upcoming field schools - please check again at a later date.

Check out our 2023 field schools:

• Combating Anti-microbial Resistance in Cambodia
• Social Justice in Indonesia
• Disaster Risk and Resilience in the Philippines
• The COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout in Singapore
• Disability and Work in Timor-Leste
  

Read student stories from our past field schools here. 

Other Faculties and Schools in the University also offer field school opportunities to Southeast Asia, including:

• Postgraduate students doing Environmental Science, Sustainability, and Development Studies can also take part in a postgraduate field school on Sustainable Development (ENVI5903) that has been to Laos and Indonesia. More info is available here.

• The Abercrombie Business School offers RARE, a community-engaged learning program connecting students with remote, rural and Indigenous enterprises in Australia and South-East Asia to solve real-world business challenges.

• The Faculty of Health Sciences offers 4-6 week health or care placements with a community-based organisation in a range of Faculty-selected locations including Cambodia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Page image credit: Elizabeth Hung