Bachelor of International Studies course requirements
If you're a Bachelor of International Studies student, you are required to complete international experience as part of your degree. Your course rules are outlined below, together with a list of all your options (international and domestic) to complete your core international experience course requirements.
Course rules
| Course | Rule |
|---|---|
| A326 – Bachelor of International Studies | 2 credit points of international experience |
| D338 – Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Commerce | |
| D323 - Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of International Studies | |
| A306– Bachelor of International Studies (Global Scholar) | 4 credit points of international experience, which must include an internship experience. |
Overseas international experience options
If you wish to undertake an experience abroad to complete this course requirement, you can look into undertaking any of the following overseas experiences for credit.
- Faculty-led study tours
- Overseas internship
- Social impact programs
- Overseas language program
- Trimester abroad
- Short-term partner program.
Domestic international experience options
You can achieve your international experience course requirements without heading overseas by completing one or more of the following domestic options:
Undertake language units within your Deakin course
Completing 2 credit points of consecutive language units will gain you one credit point of your international experience requirement.
Domestic internships (with an international focus)
Completing one or more domestic internships within the field of international studies presents a unique opportunity to connect directly with seasoned professionals in your chosen industry while also equipping yourself for your future career by expanding your networks.
So, what sets a domestic internship apart as 'international' in nature?
These internships are characterised by their international orientation and their involvement within intercultural contexts. Internships will need to be international in orientation and/or work within intercultural contexts. Some examples of organisations that fit these criteria are: Australian based organisations that work with culturally diverse populations that include people from (but are not limited to) First Nations, migrants and refugees; Australian based organisations that currently have or are seeking export capacity; and any organisation based internationally or domestically that is able to accommodate English speaking interns and enables you to experience the cultures, ideas, values and beliefs of nations other than Australia.
There is some flexibility within these guidelines, and we want you to tell us how your internship will utilise and develop the skills that you have learned in your International Studies degree. We encourage you to speak with your course director who can help guide you on your domestic internship ideas and ensure you’re on the right track.
In these internships you could be engaged in:
- research projects
- policy review, writing, interpreting
- social media campaigns
- field work
- marketing and communication projects
- event management
- fundraising campaigns (frontline fundraising is not suitable e.g. telephone fundraising, however working on strategy, event management etc. can be suitable)
- client liaison (where appropriate and not taking the place of a regular employee).
To secure and have a domestic internship count towards your international experience course requirements follows the same application and credit approval process as our Internship step-by-step guide.
Unit options
| Unit | Unit rule |
|---|---|
| AIS330 International Internship A |
This is a 2 credit point unit for internships based overseas – only for students within a BIS degree.
You must complete a minimum of 20 days of an internship overseas (or domestically with an international focus – more details on this option below), either on a full-time or part-time basis. |
| AIS330 International Internship B |
This is a 4 credit point unit for internships based overseas – only for students within a BIS degree. You must complete a minimum of 40-days of an internship overseas (or domestically with an international focus – more details on this option below), on a full-time basis. |
| AWL300 Internship |
This is a 1 credit point unit for either overseas or domestic internships. You must complete a minimum of 100 hours of an internship. |
| AWL301 Enhance your experience |
This is a 1 credit point unit for either overseas or domestic internships. You must complete a minimum of 100 hours of an internship. |
| AWL203 Expand your experience |
This is a 1 credit point unit for overseas experiences.
You must complete a minimum of 100 hours of (WIL)-related contact hours. |
You may also be interested in
-
If you're considering studying overseas you should attend a Deakin Abroad information session.
-
Deakin provides cover for study-related international travel for up to 12 months. Find out what's covered and how to register.
-
Your overseas contact for any emergency travel assistance, non-emergency, health or security related enquiries.
-
Take your global learning to the next level and be rewarded with a digital credential.