Benefits of studying on a branch campus in Asia

24 Nov 2017

Studying abroad gives students the chance to develop as well-rounded individuals and explore a new way of life, broadening their cultural horizons. There is nowhere better in the world to do this than Asia – a melting pot of diversity and culture – which offers some of the most historic and interesting where students can enjoy an unparalleled learning experience.

In terms of business and technology, Asia is an innovative hub that’s impossible to ignore for any large, global company. This has sparked an employment boom across the region, where businesses are increasingly on the hunt for highly-skilled employees. This in turn has led to an increase in investment across the education sector, meaning that students are presented with first-class academic experiences and an abundance of employment opportunities post-graduation.

Speaking of the region, Alexander Stubb, former Prime Minister of Finland, said: “Asia is probably the most dynamic continent in the world and economically it presents endless opportunities. The centre of gravity is moving towards the East.”

When considering Asia as a study destination, it is impossible to look past these four institutions, which stand at the vanguard of the region’s educational excellence…

HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY – MALAYSIA

With heritage dating back to 1821, Heriot-Watt University has developed an established reputation as one of the world’s leading universities and a first-class research-led institution. The Heriot-Watt Malaysian campus was established in 2012, marking the first university to be built in the country’s administrative capital, Putrajaya, and Heriot-Watt’s second international campus after opening the doors to its Dubai campus in 2005.

The Malaysian campus has been developed specifically with the next generation of students in mind, creating a dynamic and exciting environment in which students can flourish. The university combines state-of-the-art architecture with education design specialists to build a campus that elevates the potential of student study and life.

Heriot-Watt also offers a unique travel experience to students through its Go Global programme, presenting the opportunity for students to study for one semester or more at its campuses in Scotland, Dubai and Malaysia. The transfer is designed to be seamless, with students continuing the same course with the same course leader, ensuring the quality of study is maintained and remains consistent.

The university prides itself on its research credentials, with world-leading projects in the physical, social and life sciences, engineering, business and design. Heriot-Watt is recognised for its applied and technological research and for its industry-focused work, which has led to strong links to international businesses – presenting more postgraduate options for students.

Consistently ranked among the highest level of global universities, Heriot-Watt scores highly in research performance and student satisfaction, graduate employability and quality of teaching – making it a perfect destination for aspiring students.

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY – KOREA

George Mason University (GMU) Korea is a driving force of educational opportunity, blending academic merit with distinguished faculty to provide the perfect platform for success.

Here, programs link directly with the university’s main US campus, both of which are located less than an hour from the two national capitals (Seoul and Washington, DC), and present a unique opportunity for students to explore diverse cultural experiences.

The School of Business at George Mason prepares its students to succeed in a global business environment, developing a range of analytical and communication skills while maintaining a high standard of ethical business practice. Courses are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) – the world’s largest education network of advanced business institutions.

GMU Korea currently offers six undergraduate degree programs, including Management, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Global Affairs, and Conflict Analysis and Resolution. All courses are delivered in English, making them accessible to students worldwide, while participants also benefit from an affordable US education at a branch campus in Korea, receiving the very same degree graduates earn from GMU’s US branch.

A Master of Science in Systems Engineering will also be premiered at the university in Spring 2018 as the first Master’s program specifically-designed to equip students for a professional career in the design and architecture of complex systems, emphasising the analytical and practical aspects of engineering systems. Graduates of this course will be likely to forge successful careers with companies like Booz Allen, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon.

CURTIN UNIVERSITY SARAWAK – MALAYSIA

Curtin University continues to build a strong presence across the globe, with campuses now in Perth, Singapore, Sydney and Sarawak. The university is ranked in the top two percent of universities worldwide, and offers a wide-range of practical and internationally-recognised courses that work intrinsically with industry.

Graduate certificate courses at Curtin help students become critical thinkers in their chosen specialised area of study. Every graduate program at Curtin is designed to maximise the opportunity for employment after graduation, while some specifically suit the needs of non-graduates which enable the progression of a student’s postgraduate study.

The research and development programme at Curtin University is outstanding. The Department is widely recognised for its achievements in applied research, which is often focused on solving real issues that are faced by our world and its inhabitants today. Strong partnerships with industry, businesses and governments underpin the research programmes, all of whom share a collective goal of making the world a better place. In particular, the university has conducted ground-breaking research to significantly improve the surrounding area of Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole.

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Jim Mienczackowski, says: “I am pleased to welcome you to Curtin University’s largest international campus as well as one of the largest and fastest-growing foreign branch campuses in the world. Curtin Sarawak is a vibrant international institution with an exciting future and I invite you to join us on our exciting journey forward.”

JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY – SINGAPORE

Established in 2003, the Singapore campus of James Cook University offers a wide range of study options at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Courses include disciplines such as Business, Tourism and Hospitality, Information Technology, Education and Psychology. Students here graduate with the same globally-recognised degree as the one offered at the James Cook University in Australia.

Each degree program focuses on the student’s development of key skills, including critical thinking, problem solving, effective communications and familiarity with information technologies. Students can complete a double major in Business at no extra cost or time commitment, or can gain broader industry exposure and wider career options with a joint Master’s program.

The university offers an inter-campus mobility program – a perfect opportunity for students to spend up to two semesters studying at either the University’s Townsville or Cairns campuses in Australia.

The family-orientated nature of the Singapore campus enables students to enjoy the learning facilities, café, library and get involved with the range of clubs and activities that take place on the campus. The university strives to make the student experience here as enriching as possible, with many people on campus to help you get the most from your studies, providing help, aid and support to students.

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