Facilitating international education through overseas study programs: An Australian business school perspective

This paper explores how an overseas study program facilitates students international education exposure within an Australian business school context. We interviewed students after they had taken part in a three-week immersion program, involving visiting some of Europe and the UK s principal financial and regulatory institutions. The report of their experiences provides critical insights into designing such programs with a view to achieving high levels of immersion. Participants in the overseas study program immersed themselves in the European way of living and became more tolerant and accepting of other cultures. We argue that as Australian universities remain strongly committed to providing an international education, short term overseas programs are a key tool for achieving this strategic goal. There are a number of challenges universities are currently facing in implementing such programs. However, if Australian universities intend to maintain their position as high-ranking education providers within the Asia-Pacific region, they must continue to seek ways to deliver high-quality programs.