Overseas Experiences for Health Science Students

CISabroad Community Health Care and Development in Zambia

Have you ever thought about participating in an international experience abroad? Enhance your career prospects and participate in an opportunity with Western Sydney University.

  • Participate during University breaks!
  • Eligible students can receive a deferred OS-HELP loan valued up to $8,149
  • Many programs include cultural excursions
  • Approved study overseas can count toward your degree in Australia

New Colombo Plan Opportunities

The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region.  The Australian Government wants study and work-based experiences in the Indo-Pacific to become a rite of passage for young Australian undergraduate students. Eligible students selected for an opportunity below will be supported by a $3000 New Colombo Plan Mobility grant  and may  be  eligible to receive a deferred OS-HELP loan valued up to $8,149 (conditions apply).

Dates: June 2019

This project will provide five Western Sydney University students with an opportunity to live and learn in multicultural Malaysia for three weeks under Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's (UKM) supervision. The course introduces students to the unique cultures of indigenous communities in Malaysia, enabling students to understand the communities' history, their recent marginalisation and the process of cultural transformation.

Find out more about Indigenous Communities Study Tour

Indonesia: Public Health Study Tour - $3000 NCP Grants

Dates: July and November

The Public Health Study Tour (PHST) is a two-week intensive program for public health students to gain experience in the public health sector in Indonesia. The study tour will provide an introduction to the public health challenges currently facing Indonesia, as well as existing government, international and community-led initiatives tasked with meeting these challenges.

Find out more about Public Health Study Tour in Indonesia

Other Opportunities

Social Enterprise Internship with Project Everest

Destination: Fiji, Malawi, Timor-Leste

Dates: 1 July - 27 July 2019

This venture  is focused on building sustainable communities with many impactful development projects across Agricultural and Food Security, Environmental Sustainability Initiatives and Health.

You will need permission from Western Sydney University to apply for this experience. Please submit an Expression of Interest (opens in a new window) to Project Everest directly.

For further advice please contact Dr Arianne Reis at a.reis@westernsydney.edu.au or (02) 4620 3136.

Find out more about Social Enterprise Internship with Project Everest 

Mexico: Public Health Program

Dates: 8 July - 26 July 2019

This program explores the development and maintenance of the Mexican healthcare system in the context of how developing countries manage their health systems. The Public Health in Mexico program also has a large focus on looking at community health.

Find out more about Public Health in Mexico Program (opens in a new window)

England: Leeds International Summer School

Dates: July

Leeds International Summer School (LISS) offers you the opportunity to study at the University of Leeds and immerse yourself in British culture as part of an exciting four-week programme. Taking advantage of the vibrant, student friendly city of Leeds, and the rich history, culture and natural beauty of the area, the summer school combines world-class tuition with local knowledge, academic-related field trips, and a wide variety of social activities.

Find out more about Leeds International Summer School (opens in a new window)

Italy: July at the Florence University of the Arts

Dates: July

As a student in the Tuscan city of Florence, you will quickly feel like a local as you wander through busy piazzas in search of your favourite pasta trattoria! The Florence University of the Arts (FUA) is where you will spend your July in Florence program.

Find out more about July at the Florence University of the Arts (opens in a new window)

South Africa: Rural Healthcare and Education

Dates: July

Through this program you'll enjoy living and volunteering in St. Lucia, South Africa, a small coastal community surrounded by beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife - a UNESCO World Heritage location. Surrounding the beautiful area of St. Lucia are rural villages inhabited by thousands of people with scarce healthcare resources. Working alongside community health workers, care givers, and medical professionals, you'll provide both direct treatment as well as awareness and prevention of HIV, tuberculosis, and lifestyle/social issues such as family planning and nutrition. This project gives you the opportunity to engage with people – young and old – to make a positive impact while at the same time undergoing an unforgettable, life-changing experience.

Find out more about Rural Healthcare and Education in South Africa (opens in new window)Opens in a new window

Scholarships and Benefits

In an effort to support your participation in an overseas opportunity we have identified a few opportunities for financial assistance. Note that you will only need to apply for these once you have been accepted into the program.

Option 1: Western Sydney University Student Mobility Travel Grant

The university offers students participating in a short course up to $500 to support their travel. All necessary information can be found on the Go Global webpage, including the application form.

Option 2: OS-Help Loan

OS-HELP is not a grant/scholarship, but it is an option that we would like to bring to your attention. Eligible students can receive a deferred loan for $4000 or $8149 which is added to your existing HECS-HELP debt. Further information can be found on the OS-HELP webpage.

Semester Exchange Studies