3 benefits of studying at a branch campus in Asia

21 Feb 2017

“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.” – Sun Tzu

Choosing to pursue your studies overseas is certainly not a decision that can be made lightly. Do I opt for the UK, U.S., Australia, or another exciting region of our disparate planet? Do I browse global rankings and prioritise prestige, or seek out former students for advice on the most happening student towns? Do I compromise on location to secure the perfect course, or do I adjust my choice of programme to entertain my dream location?

It can all get pretty complicated with so many factors to consider, and because it’s a decision that potentially sets the path to the rest of your professional life, it can get pretty stressful too. But with Asian education consistently outperforming Western counterparts in global comparison tests, settling on a reputed institution in the stunning Asia region will undoubtedly serve you well.

“Studying in Asia ensures diversity, but at the same time, you’re staying in a place that is familiar, where economic growth rates are high,” says Professor John Spinks, a respected higher education professional based in Asia. “It’s beneficial because we know that student brought up in different environments develop a lot of competencies that are related to living in a different environment,” he adds. “They are much more flexible and sensitive to the characteristics of the person they are with.”

Image via shutterstock

Need a little more convincing? Here are three benefits that come with studying on a branch campus in Asia…

1. Unparalleled value for money

With ‘financial barriers’ often being cited as the most common factor preventing students from studying overseas, it’s comforting to know that tuition fees in Asia are generally much lower than those of Western institutions. According to Asia Exchange, European students pay around 1,650 EUR per semester, while non-EU students donate around US$2,880 for the same period, a hefty improvement from the average annual cost of around US$33,215 for a U.S. education, or even the hefty £35,000 tag that comes attached to a UK medical degree.

And with Asian education systems being named best in the world, you’re guaranteed to receive an intensive and competitive education for more than half the price!

2. Boost your language skills

With science consistently showing that language learning does wonders for the brain, delving into a non-native English-speaking country is guaranteed to present certain intellectual perks. It’ll take hard work and commitment to get fluent, but at least you’ll pick up new words and even understand different dialects. And certainly, any sort of language comprehension is bound to help you bond with cheery locals. In fact, most universities will offer extra-curricular classes where you can learn the local tongue, so get involved and start to hone your multi-lingual finesse!

Image courtesy of The University of Nottingham

But let’s not forget that most Asian classes are delivered in English, giving students ample chance to improve their grasp of the global lingua franca – a necessary asset for any global graduate.

3. Invest in your future

University is a lifechanging experience regardless of where you study, but just think how much more exciting, enriching and downright unforgettable it will be if you choose to study in an entirely new part of the world! You’ll gain expertise that’ll prove invaluable throughout your professional life, expand your world view and gain powerful insights into diverse global cultures. On top of this, you’ll forge lifelong friendships and build professional networks you can rely on both at home and abroad, while skills you’ll gain will bolster your CV and leave you equipped to thrive in any future career. A boost in expertise will result in a higher salary and far greater career potential, and if that’s not an investment you can get behind then we don’t know what is!

Sound tempting? If you’re interested in studying abroad, here are four outstanding universities with regional branches in Asia that you really should consider…

SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY – MALAYSIA

If you’re looking for a globally-recognised degree with skills that are industry-relevant, plus that uniquely Australian education at a fraction of the Australian cost, you need look no further! Swinburne University of Technology in Kuching, Sarawak, is one of the most preferred Australian universities in Malaysia.

It is strategically located just 10 minutes away from Kuching International Airport, and a mere 15-minutes from the vibrant city centre. Set just walking distance from crucial amenities like hospitals, malls and commercial centres, Swinburne students also benefit from on- or off-campus housing options. In addition to a wide range of halal culinary delights, students have access to cutting-edge sports facilities and a broad range of student-managed clubs and activities organised the entire year.

With more than 4,000 students from over 60 countries the Malaysian city campus is lively and colourful. Based on the last graduate tracer study conducted by the University’s Career Office, graduates reported a 100 percent employment rate for a number of business and engineering courses, while the overall employment rate stood at an impressive 93 percent, highlighting that the Swinburne Return on Investment (ROI) is truly second-to-none.

JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY – SINGAPORE

The Singapore campus of James Cook University (JCU) is fully-owned by James Cook Australia, which currently ranks in the world’s top two percent of universities. JCU Australia established its Singapore branch back in 2003 as part of an innovative strategy to diversify and internationalise, with the Singapore campus now offering star-standard teaching in the areas of Business, Information Technology, Psychology and Education, on top of a range of pre-university courses, specifically-designed to give pathways to students who may not initially meet the University’s entry requirements.

JCU gives students the chance to study in Singapore and Australia, yet still remain as Singapore-based students who pay fees in Singapore currency. This is a unique program in Asia because the University operates across both countries, and is designed to ensure students get the best possible outcomes throughout their time at JCU. Located in Sims Drive, the campus grants student access to the full range of services and facilities – from seminar and lecture rooms, to library study facilities, to computer labs, trading simulation rooms, sports halls, and beyond – all purpose-built to support and embellish all forms of student learning.

Image courtesy of James Cook University

UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM NINGBO – CHINA

The University of Nottingham, a renowned UK higher education provider, has always held strong links with China, resulting in an invitation to become the first foreign university to establish an independent campus in China after new legislation was passed in 2003. The following year, the University of Nottingham’s 140-acre Ningbo campus was opened to students, building on the attributes of the UK’s University Park while inspiring more than 5,000 students.

Located in Ningbo, a historic city on China’s Eastern Coast and in close proximity to Shanghai, the campus has been developed in partnership with the dynamic and innovative Wanli Education Group. The campus stands as a full and integral part of the University of Nottingham brand, with all teaching being carried out in English, and Faculty awarding internationally-recognised University of Nottingham degrees. The new site is situated on the Ningbo Higher Education Park, which boasts excellent complementary facilities, including a new Municipal Library and Sports Stadium.

NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY – SINGAPORE

Derived from a unique partnership between the UK’s Newcastle University and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Newcastle University Singapore provides notable degrees informed by the institution’s powerful research excellence. Forever encouraging students to think critically, independently and innovatively, Newcastle University Singapore prepares students to join industries as tomorrow’s most influential leaders and decision-makers.

Since Newcastle Singapore combined with SIT back in 2009, more than 1,000 students have graduated with sought-after degrees in the Engineering and Science fields. With respected degree programmes in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Power Engineering, Food and Human Nutrition, Marine Engineering, Offshore Engineering and Naval Architecture, and Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Engineering at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level, Newcastle University Singapore greatly invests in its students, urging them to export knowledge and develop global skills.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International