• Section 1 - Purpose
• Section 2 - Audience
• Section 3 - Scope
• Section 4 - Types of Outbound Global Experiences
• Table 1 - Types of Outbound Global Experiences
• Section 5 - Key Requirements
• Enrolment requirements
• Student Exchange Program requirements
• Academic Short Course (Agreement) requirements
• Third Party Providers
• Pre-departure requirements
• Withdrawal of students from outbound global experiences
• Requirements for staff travelling with students
• Section 6 - Financial Assistance
• OS-HELP Loan Scheme
• Scholarships and Grants
• Section 7 - Academic Eligibility Criteria
• Table 2 - Academic Eligibility Criteria for Student Exchange Program, Study Abroad, and Academic Short Courses
• Academic Eligibility Criteria for International Placements, Hands-on Learning Experiences and Study Tours
• Section 8 - Application Process
• Table 3 - Outbound Global Experience Application and Credit Processes
• Applying for credit
• Section 9 - Approval
• Study Tour Approval
• Outbound Global Experience Application Approval
• Table 4 - Outbound Global Experience Application Approval Authority
• Approval of Credit
• Table 5 - Credit Approval Authority
• Individual Student Travel Approval
• Table 6 - Travel Approval Authority (Individual Students)
• Approval of Associated Agreements
• Table 7 - Authorised Approvers of the Agreement
• International Placement Approval
• Section 10 - Pre-Departure Preparation
• Pre-departure Module
• Passports and Visa
• Accommodation, Flights, and Insurance
• Health and Vaccinations
• Section 11 - Returning from a Outbound Global Experience
• Section 12 - Appeals
• Appeal Against GPA Requirement
• Appeal Against Credit Outcome
• Section 13 - Definitions
• Section 14 - Appendices

Section 1 - Purpose

(1) This procedure outlines the steps to be taken by staff in administering, and by students in undertaking an Outbound Global Experience that may be counted towards a program at the University of Newcastle.

(2) In the event of an inconsistency between this procedure, and a Rule or Schedule to a Rule, the Rule made by Council will prevail to the extent of the inconsistency. This includes, but is not limited to any delegation Schedule to the Governance Rule.

Section 2 - Audience

(3) This procedure must be read and understood by:

1. undergraduate and postgraduate coursework program students of the University of Newcastle who may be seeking to undertake an approved global experience; and
2. staff organising, administering, or approving Outbound Global Experiences.

(4) This procedure must be read in conjunction with:

1. the Program Management Manual - Coursework;
2. the Work Integrated Learning Policy (where the student is undertaking a placement as an Outbound Global Experience);
3. the Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy;
4. the Course Management and Assessment Manual;
5. OS-HELP Procedure;
6. TEQSA Guidance Note for Work Integrated Learning;
7. the University Travel Policy, and
8. the Travel Procedure, but only where directed from this Procedure.

(5) Outbound Global Experience organisers in the University of Newcastle must comply with the requirements of this Procedure. A Global Experience Staff Resources sharepoint site is available for detailed instructions for tasks relating to organising the global experience.

Section 3 - Scope

(6) This procedure applies to all Outbound Global Experiences for students undertaking coursework, and that are approved by the University of Newcastle, including but not limited to:

1. Academic Short Course (Agreement);
2. Academic Short Course (Direct);
3. Hands-on Learning Experience;
4. International Placement;
5. Student Exchange Program;
6. Study Abroad;
7. Study Tour; and
8. Other experience, including but not limited to competitions, conferences, and non-credit bearing trips.

(7) Students who are not approved by the University to undertake an Outbound Global Experience, and who choose to proceed with their own personal travel, are not subject to the provisions or requirements of this procedure.

Section 4 - Types of Outbound Global Experiences

Table 1 - Types of Outbound Global Experiences

Section 5 - Key Requirements

(8) To be eligible to apply for any Outbound Global Experience, the student must meet the relevant eligibility criteria outlined in Section 7 of this procedure.

(9) Admission to the Outbound Global Experience is not guaranteed, regardless of the student successfully demonstrating they meet the eligibility criteria.

(10) International students enrolled in a full degree program at the University of Newcastle, where eligible and not otherwise precluded, may seek participation in an Outbound Global Experience where the global experience will not impact on their ability to graduate from their University of Newcastle program within the timeframe listed on their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

(11) A student applying for an Outbound Global Experience must obtain the required credit as outlined in Section 7 Academic Eligibility - Criteria 3. Where the credit is not approved the Outbound Global Experience cannot proceed.

(12) Participation in an outbound global experience in the final year of study may delay a student's attendance at graduation if results from the host institution are not received before the ceremony invitations have been distributed.

(13) Students remain subject to the University of Newcastle rules and policies during an outbound global experience. Students participating in an outbound global experience are also subject to the policies and procedures of the overseas host institution / provider, scholarship programs, and host institution residences (where relevant) during the global experience.

(14) Students participating in international trips organised or endorsed by the University must adhere to the following guidelines to ensure their safety and compliance with University policies:

1. consideration of University requests: students must consider and reasonably comply with all requests and instructions issued by the University or its representatives during their international trip. These requests are made to ensure the safety, well-being and academic success of the students;
2. independent actions and accountability: if a student chooses to act independently of the University's guidelines or instructions, they must accept full responsibility for any consequences that may arise from their actions. This includes, but is not limited to, financial liabilities, legal issues, health and safety risks, and academic repercussions.

Enrolment requirements

(15) Students undertaking an Outbound Global Experience must meet the following University of Newcastle enrolment requirements:

1. for Student Exchange Programs and Academic Short Course (Agreement) the student must enrol in an appropriate University of Newcastle course with an exchange course code prior to departure;
2. for Study Abroad, the student must take leave of absence from the University of Newcastle for the duration of the Study Abroad, in accordance with the provisions of the Enrolment Manual;
3. for International Placements, Hands-on Learning Experiences and Study Tours, the student must meet the individual enrolment requirements of the experience, which may vary.

(16) Students undertaking an Outbound Global Experience may also be required to enrol in accordance with the requirements of the host institution. For Student Exchange Programs, the student must enrol in a full time enrolment load, as set by the host institution.

Student Exchange Program requirements

(17) Approval of an application for a Student Exchange Program will be subject to the availability of places at the overseas host institution, in addition to the requirements of this procedure.

(18) A student who is deemed eligible but who is not allocated a place in the Student Exchange Program, due to the lack of available places, cannot appeal the allocation outcome.

(19) Credit for study undertaken as part of a Student Exchange Program cannot be rescinded.

(20) International students studying at the University of Newcastle on an articulation arrangement may be precluded from undertaking study as part of the Student Exchange Program. Any such restriction will be documented in the articulation agreement.

Academic Short Course (Agreement) requirements

(21) Credit for study undertaken as part of an Academic Short Course (Agreement) cannot be rescinded.

(22) International students studying at the University of Newcastle on an articulation arrangement may be precluded from undertaking study as part of an Academic Short Course. Any such restriction will be documented in the articulation agreement.

Third Party Providers

(23) Before a third-party provider for global experience is approved and enters a formal partnership with the University, the University Global Experience Team conducts a due diligence assessment in collaboration with relevant business units. These assessments may include, but are not limited to:

1. insurance held by the provider;
2. risk and emergency management protocol and policies;
3. program service (e.g. pre-departure, in-country support, post-trip follow-up);
4. program management (e.g. application, refund policy, funding);
5. program suitability (e.g. type of experience, locations, price range);
6. reference checks;
7. quality assurance of downstream parties.

(24) The University reserves the right to not approve or endorse a third party based on the findings of the above due diligence assessment.

Pre-departure requirements

(25) Students accepted into an global experience are required to:

1. attend all relevant information sessions organised by the University Global Experience Team and/or the College;
2. complete the application requirements of the overseas host institution / provider;
3. complete all pre-departure requirements of the University Global Experience Team (See Section 10) and relevant College;

(26) Students undertaking an Outbound Global Experience are strongly encouraged to contact Centrelink prior to their departure and be prepared to provide relevant supporting documentation.

Withdrawal of students from outbound global experiences

(27) The University of Newcastle reserves the right to withdraw a student from any outbound global experience prior to the date of departure, or post departure until the end of the global experience, in the event that:

1. a safety risk emerges that cannot be mitigated, as advised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or Global Assistance Support Provider (ISOS) or the experience organisers (such as host universities, orgnaisations and providers);
2. the student has been advised by the University of Newcastle they have not achieved satisfactory academic progress;
3. a penalty has been imposed on the student for student misconduct in accordance with the Student Conduct Rule; or
4. the student is indebted to either the University of Newcastle or the host institution; or
5. the student cannot comply with the required restrictions of the host or the destination country.

(28) The University may not reimburse out of pocket expenses associated with the withdrawal of a student from a global experience.

Requirements for staff travelling with students

(29) Staff travelling with students must comply with the University's Travel Policy and its associated procedure.

Section 6 - Financial Assistance

OS-HELP Loan Scheme

(30) The OS-HELP Loan is available for eligible students participating in an Outbound Global Experience. Please refer to the OS-Help Procedure.

Scholarships and Grants

(31) Eligible students may apply for a Government scholarship or The University of Newcastle Global Traveller Grant. Applications are subject to a competitive selection process. Scholarships will vary year to year. All queries can be directed to global-experience@newcastle.edu.au.

Section 7 - Academic Eligibility Criteria

Table 2 - Academic Eligibility Criteria for Student Exchange Program, Study Abroad, and Academic Short Courses

(32) Students who do not meet the above Academic Eligibility Criteria 2 (GPA requirements) may seek approval from the relevant Program Convenor to waive Academic Eligibility Criteria 2. This request must be made in writing to global-experience@newcastle.edu.au within five working days of receiving the outcome of their application.

Academic Eligibility Criteria for International Placements, Hands-on Learning Experiences and Study Tours

(33) Eligibility criteria for International Placements, Hands-on Learning Experiences and Study Tours will vary and may include minimum GPA requirements, or other predefined criteria.

Section 8 - Application Process

(34) Students wishing to undertake an Outbound Global Experience must undertake the following application and credit processes:

Table 3 - Outbound Global Experience Application and Credit Processes

Applying for credit

(35) Applications for credit will be considered in accordance with the requirements of the Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.

(36) In order to apply for credit for the Student Exchange Program, Study Abroad or Academic Short Course (agreement or direct), a student must follow the instructions on the Global Experience Portal and allow twenty working days for the processing of the credit application.

(37) A student may request an overview of relevant preferred host institution courses previously approved for the purpose of Semester Exchange and/or Academic Short Course. All queries can be directed to: global-experience@newcastle.edu.au.

(38) Following assessment of the credit application, and where appropriate credit may be awarded, the student will be issued with a Credit Outcome Letter.

(39) Where a student is unable to enrol at the overseas host institution in the courses listed in the Credit Outcome Letter, the student must immediately submit a new credit application and a revised Credit Outcome Letter will be issued.

(40) The grades associated with credit granted for study undertaken at an overseas host institution as part of an Outbound Global Experience do not transfer to the University of Newcastle student record and do not contribute to the calculation of the University of Newcastle Grade Point Average (GPA) or Weighted Average Mark (WAM).

Section 9 - Approval

(41) There are up to five areas of a Outbound Global Experience that require approval:

1. Study Tour approval;
2. the student's application for the Outbound Global Experience;
3. the credit application;
4. individual student's capacity to travel; and
5. any agreement entered into by the University of Newcastle that is relevant to the global experience.

Study Tour Approval

(42) All study tours must be endorsed by the Head of School.

(43) Endorsement of a study tour does not constitute approval for each individual student wishing to participate in the experience. The students must undertake a self-assessment of their capacity to travel and be approved to travel in accordance with Table 6 - Travel Approval Authority (Individual Students).

(44) For students who are taking part in a study tour, and will be travelling as a group, a risk assessment for the study tour must be completed by the staff member who is organising the experience. The risk assessment must be submitted to the Health and Safety Team (Human Resource Services) to review and make recommendations. This must occur prior to the approval of the individual student travel. Once the risk assessment is assessed by the Health and Safety team (Human Resource Services), the travel may be considered for endorsement in accordance with clause 42.

(45) For group study tours with 10 or more students, trip details must be submitted to the Risk and Insurance team at least four weeks prior to departure.

Outbound Global Experience Application Approval

(46) The student's application for the Outbound Global Experience must be assessed against the requirements of this Procedure. Table 4 outlines the approval authorities for each type of Outbound Global Experience.

Table 4 - Outbound Global Experience Application Approval Authority

Approval of Credit

(47) The credit requirements outlined in Table 2 of this Procedure must be met, and the student's application for credit must be approved by an appropriate delegate. Table 5 outlines the approval authorities for credit approval.

Table 5 - Credit Approval Authority

Individual Student Travel Approval

(48) Students planning on undertaking an Outbound Global Experience, either as an individual or through a study tour experience are required to undertake a self-assessment of the destination and activity risks of their selected experience, as well as their mental, physical and financial capacity to undertake the experience.

(49) Travel by a student for participation in an Outbound Global Experience must be approved by an appropriate delegate, in accordance with Table 6 - Travel Approval Authority (Individual Students). The approval is subject to compliance with the University's relevant policies referred to through this procedure, and the risk assessment requirements outlined in these documents. (Note, travel for an Outbound Global Experience is not required to be approved or administered through the University's Travel Hub).

Table 6 - Travel Approval Authority (Individual Students)

(50) If a student's Outbound Global Experience requires a high or very high-risk delegate authority to approve, a risk assessment must be completed for the Health and Safety Team to review and make recommendations. This must occur prior to the approval of the individual student travel, unless clause 50 applies. This risk assessment must be comprehensively reviewed and the recommendations confirmed by the relevant Application Approver.

(51) The traveller is responsible for monitoring the latest health and travel risk rating on Smartraveller 7 days prior to departure and is responsible for notifying the Application Approver of any changes. In the event the DFAT Advice level escalates from below “exercise normal safety precautions” or “exercise a high degree caution” to at or above “reconsider your need to travel”, the requirements of Clause 49 must be met.

Approval of Associated Agreements

(52) Any agreement that is to be entered into in association with arrangements for an Outbound Global Experience must be executed by an appropriate delegate in accordance with the Schedules listed in the Delegations Register. Table 7 outlines the appropriate delegated authorities for the range of agreements that may require execution:

Table 7 - Authorised Approvers of the Agreement

International Placement Approval

(53) For international placement experiences, the authorised delegate is responsible for ensuring that all requirements established by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) for the global experience can be met (please see TEQSA Guidance Note on Work Integrated Learning).

Section 10 - Pre-Departure Preparation

Pre-departure Module

(54) To prepare for the Outbound Global Experience, the student must complete the pre-departure module. This module requires students to check the DFAT Smart Traveller website and International SOS risk rating to establish whether there are any travel advisories or warnings that apply to their intended travel destinations. If the travel location is considered high risk or above, the student must complete relevant documentation as outlined in the pre departure form.

(55) The student must continue to check the DFAT Smart Traveller website leading up to the date of departure. Where the DFAT Advice level changes to high-risk the student must comply with the requirements of Clause 46.

Passports and Visa

(56) Students are responsible for:

1. acquiring the relevant passport and visa(s) as required for the overseas travel; and
2. meeting all entry and visa requirements of all countries they are visiting, transiting through, or working in.

(57) Students must check with the appropriate foreign consulate to ensure that they have the correct visa information and meet the passport currency requirements for the country(s) they will be entering. Information about passports, visas, foreign embassies and consulates can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Accommodation, Flights, and Insurance

(58) Students are responsible for arranging their overseas accommodation, and private travel insurance. Students are encouraged to investigate accommodation options for the duration of the Outbound Global Experience as early as possible.

(59) Students should not purchase flights until they have received an official acceptance letter from the overseas host institution / provider and outcome of their University of Newcastle credit application (where applicable).

(60) The University will provide insurance coverage for students travelling on a global experience, provided the travel is approved in accordance with this Procedure. This insurance may not extend to any personal travel undertaken by the student, or travel that is in addition to what has been approved by the University.

(61) University travel approvers may factor in the following provisions when approving travel dates:

1. For Outbound Global Experiences under 30 days, students may be covered for up to 3 days prior and 3 days after the official program dates;
2. For Outbound Global Experiences over 30 days, students may be covered for up to 7 days prior and 7 days after the official program dates. This includes coverage to extend short breaks within terms up to 7 days before and after each term (if applicable).

(62) Students may travel within their approved destination country/ies within the scope of their approved travel dates. Coverage applies only to approved destinations and stopovers entering non-approved destinations are deemed personal travel unless necessitated by unforeseen circumstances.

(63) For detailed information on the University of Newcastle's travel insurance, students should consult the University's Travel Insurance webpage and read the Summary of Travel Insurance and Product Disclosure Statement. Students are responsible for determining the suitability of the University's insurance for their individual circumstances and is strongly encouraged to determine suitable personal travel insurance requirements to ensure full coverage during their experience (please see Insurance webpage).

(64) All students travelling on approved University activity must register their travel itineraries with the University's Global Assistance Support Service provider (ISOS) through MyTrips.

(65) Before travelling overseas all University of Newcastle students must subscribe for updates with Smart Traveller and consider the advice provided on the Smart Traveller website.

Health and Vaccinations

(66) Students are responsible for:

1. researching whether prescribed medication(s) may be legally brought into or obtained in the destination country(ies);
2. contacting a health professional to discuss their pre-travel health checks and vaccination requirements at least 4-6 weeks prior to their departure; and
3. considering and meeting their own personal health and medication needs they may require during their travel.

(67) Students must be aware of and follow vaccination requirements governed by the transport and accommodation providers, and the laws of the jurisdiction to which they are travelling. The delegate approving the travel may request confirmation of vaccination prior to approving the travel.

Section 11 - Returning from a Outbound Global Experience

(68) During the Student Exchange Program, Study Abroad or Academic Short Course (agreement or direct), the student must identify how the overseas host institution will issue the official results so that these can be provided to the University of Newcastle. This may be through one of the following processes:

1. the academic transcript is sent directly to the Global Experience Team:
   1. where hardcopy academic transcripts are provided by the overseas host institutions, the student may collect the hardcopy from the University Global Experience Team; or
   2. where digital academic transcripts are provided by the overseas host institutions, the student will receive this via their University of Newcastle student email account;
2. the academic transcript is sent directly to the student:
   1. the student is required to send the academic transcript to the University Global Experience Team.

(69) If the study completed varies from the pre-departure approved credit, it is the student's responsibility to provide all documentation to the Academic Program Advisor for reassessment of credit.

(70) For International Placements, Hands-on Learning Experiences and Study Tours, the student must complete the returning processes as per instructions from the relevant College or Business Unit.

Section 12 - Appeals

Appeal Against GPA Requirement

(71) Any appeal permitted under this procedure will be administered in accordance with the Academic Appeals Policy.

(72) A student who is deemed ineligible to undertake an Outbound Global Experience due to not meeting Academic Eligibility Criteria 2 (GPA Requirement) outlined in Section 7 and has not received a waiver from the Program Convenor (see Clause 29) may appeal to the College Pro Vice-Chancellor. Appeals may only be made against Academic Eligibility Criteria 2 (GPA Requirement).

(73) The College Pro Vice-Chancellor will consider any valid appeal within five working days and determine either that the Academic Eligibility Criteria 2:

1. must be met and the appeal is rejected; or
2. may be waived and uphold the appeal so the student can be considered for an Outbound Global Experience. In this case the application will still be subject to all other listed Eligibility Criteria and availability of places at the relevant overseas host institution.

(74) The determination made by the College Pro Vice-Chancellor under clause 65 is final.

(75) In the event an appeal is upheld the University Global Experience Team will check with the host institution to determine if they will accept the student based on their current GPA.

Appeal Against Credit Outcome

(76) A student may appeal the outcome of their credit application as per the Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Academic Appeals Policy.

(77) Appeals against decision on credit will be considered in line with the Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Academic Appeals Policy.

Section 13 - Definitions

(78) In the context of this procedure:

1. “academic short course (agreement)” means an international travel experience to a University of Newcastle partner institution with an established exchange agreement. They typically last 204 weeks and students must obtain a minimum of 10-units of credit and remain enrolled and pay tuition fees to the University of Newcastle;
2. “academic short course (direct)” means an international travel experience to a recognised tertiary institution or third-party provider outside of Australia. They typically last 204 weeks and tuition fees are paid directly to the host institution or provider.
3. “approved third party provider” means a third party provider who has completed a screening process with the University Global Experience Team and is listed on the Global Experience Staff Resources Sharepoint site for staff and on Global Experience Portal for students;
4. “endorsed third party provider” means a third party provider, who has not completed a screening process, but is endorsed at the point of approval of a students outbound global experience based on due diligence and risk assessment checks according to the type of global experience being taken;
5. “Hands-on Learning Experience” means an international travel experience purpose-built by organisations external to the University of Newcastle, such as partner institutions, third-party providers or industry. It promotes experiential learning through practical application, such as volunteering, service-learning or community engagement. It requires students to enrol and undertake their assessment items as part of a University of Newcastle course of study. It typically lasts 204 weeks and is undertaken as an individual experience.
6. “non-partner institution” means an institution with which the University of Newcastle has not entered into a formal agreement to exchange students for the purposes of Outbound Global Experiences;
7. “outbound global experience” means an international travel experience undertaken by an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program student that is approved by the University of Newcastle, including but not limited to:
   1. Academic Short Course (Agreement);
   2. Academic Short Course (Direct);
   3. Hands-on Learning Experience;
   4. International Placement;
   5. Student Exchange Program;
   6. Study Abroad;
   7. Study Tours; and
   8. Other experience, including but not limited to competitions, conferences and non-credit bearing trips.
8. “partner institution” means an institution with which the University of Newcastle has entered into a formal agreement to exchange students for the purposes of Outbound Global Experiences, thus allowing the student to remain enrolled at their home institution for the duration of their time overseas and to continue to pay normal fees to their home institution;
9. “international placement” means internship, work integrated learning, industrial experience, practicums, clinicals or work placement activities that are undertaken outside of Australia purposefully aligned with a students' curriculum as part of their course or program requirement. It provides an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained from university studies within a professional workplace overseas.
10. “recognised institution” - refers to institutions listed on the Australian government's Country Education Profiles;
11. “student exchange program” means an international travel experience to a University of Newcastle partner institution with an established exchange agreement. The duration of the experience may last 1 or 2 semesters and a minimum of 30 units of credit per semester must be obtained. Students remain enrolled and pay tuition fees to the University of Newcastle;
12. “study abroad” means an international travel experience to a recognised tertiary institution outside of Australia not undertaken via an established student exchange program. The duration of the experience may last 1 or 2 semesters and tuition fees are paid directly to the host institution;
13. “study tour” means a purpose-built international travel experience organised by the University of Newcastle. It combines structured learning with partner institutions, industry and/or cultural activities, typically lasting 2-3 weeks and involving multiple participants; and
14. “University Global Experience Team” is a business unit within the Global Office of the Global Engagement and Partnerships Division of the University.

Section 14 - Appendices

(79) International Travel Approver's Guide - Study Tour

(80) International Travel Approver's Guide - Individual Student Experiences