Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad has designed the Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak program with your individual student goals in mind. It is built around a unique Discovery Model which is delivered by some of the best staff in study abroad, both in the U.S. and overseas, in order to provide you with an individualized experience through discovery in 5 key areas: personal, academic, cultural, social, and professional. Learn more about the Discovery Model.

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as AsiaLearn, offers semester/year abroad programs at SUT-Sarawak a b ranch campus of Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia. In the Good Universities Guide 2010, Swinburne was awarded a 5-star rating for its teaching quality, generic skills, and graduate satisfaction with the overall educational experience. Swinburne is currently the only Australian University invited to be a member of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities, which aims to foster student and staff mobility and share innovative programs to give students a competitive edge in today’s global employment market. 

In the year 2000, Swinburne University of Technology in partnership with the State Government of Sarawak, Malaysia opened SUT-Sarawak Campus in the capital city of Kuching. The courses and degree programs are identical to those taught at the main campus in Melbourne, Australia and instruction is in English. Students from across Malaysia and from over 30 countries including Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Germany, and Uzbekistan attend Swinburne Sarawak. 

The Sarawak campus is equipped with the latest educational technologies and all subjects have a web presence in addition to face-to-face delivery by faculty. Swinburne is committed to the internationalization of its curriculum and the courses offered are designed to prepare graduates to live and work in a world in which professionals need to be capable of high levels of interaction with international economies and societies. 

The campus is a multi-cultural environment with international students coming from over 30 countries. The total campus population is over 3,000 students. The 16.5 acre campus includes well equipped laboratories, lecture and seminar rooms, engineering workshops, computer labs, a state-of-the-art digital resource center, high-speed internet access, cafeteria, student lounge, gym, sporting facilities and on campus dormitories. 

General information applicable to all GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Semester and Year Abroad Programs.

Use the left-hand navigation for information specific to this program. 

Want to learn more about study abroad in Malaysia?  

Location

Malaysia offers a mosaic of cultures, delicious food, exciting adventures, friendly people, and breathtaking scenery. Neighboring countries include Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Brunei. The largest ethnic groups in Malaysia are Malay, Chinese, and Indian. In the state of Sarawak, there are also a number of indigenous ethic groups with their own unique culture and heritage.

Sarawak, is the largest state in the Federation and it is known for its vast ethnic diversity and impressive natural wonders. More than 20 ethnic communities reside in Sarawak and they are well known for their friendliness and hospitality. Visitors of Malaysia often reflect on the fact that they do not feel like tourists while wandering the streets in Malaysia, but instead feel welcomed and find the locals to be more interested in their reasons for visiting Malaysia than their contribution to the local economy. Besides the generous hospitality, Sarawak is also an ecological paradise boasting the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, the world’s most spectacular cave system, and some of the most fascinating plant, animal, and marine life. 
 

The capital city of Sarawak is Kuching, and it has been described as one of the most attractive and livable cities in southeast Asia. Kuching is rich in history with old-world charm blended into 21st century modernity. The city offers entertainment, restaurants, and nightlife to suit most tastes. The campus of SUTSarawak is just 10 minutes from the city center.

For more information on Malaysia, visit the Destinations section.

Video Resources

Academic Highlights

• Science –Biotechnology
• Business – Accounting, Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing, International Business
• Engineering – Computer Science and Software Engineering, Computing, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics and Mechatronics, Telecommunication and Network Engineering
• ICT – Information Systems, ICT, Computer Science and Software Engineering
• Design – Graphic Design, Multimedia Design

To see specific subjects available, click on "Course Catalog" to the left. 

• Minimum full time semester credit point load at SUTS = 37.5 credits. Generally equivalent to 12 US credit hours
• Maximum full time semester credit point load at SUT = 50 credits. Generally equivalent to 16 US credit hours 

The majority of Swinburne subjects are each worth 12.5 Swinburne credits

Housing

On-campus housing is provided for GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students in newly-built dorms. The dorms are divided into male and female blocks with 24-hour security. Rooms are typically twin-share, and furnishings include bed, study table, chair, and wardrobe. Most units are air-conditioned and all have wall fans. Amenities include common reading/visitors areas, kitchen, and dining rooms as well as laundry rooms and drying areas. Students will also have wireless Internet access in the dorms. Meals are not included in the program fee.

Students can also choose to live off campus in an apartment arranged upon arrival. Those who prefer this option will be able to live on campus temporarily until they locate a suitable apartment. Assistance for locating an apartment will be made available by the university.

Bridging Cultures Program

• Typically 4-6 days in length, each orientation program includes:
• Exciting excursions and activities
• A chance to meet other students

Scholarships Available

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad strives to offer the most reasonable abroad fees to Asia.  To further enhance the affordability of the semester/year study abroad programs, we encourage you to apply for scholarships through all available scholarship sources.  Learn more about our scholarship opportunities.

Special Program/Excursions

Planned Excursions & Events

Our in-country resident staff arranges scheduled activities with students throughout the year. Activities are optional and designed to explore the five key areas of discovery: academic, social, personal, cultural, and professional. These are not just visits to tourist attractions. For example, these are activities such as networking opportunities, local festivals, gallery openings, and other similar events that you can’t find in a travel book. These activities will truly enhance your experience.

On-Going Activities

Your exploration of the culture, the academics, the people, and yourself is what will truly enhance your experience. Through the Discovery Model, our in-country staff will provide you with advice and recommendations for other types of activities you can undertake in order achieve your individual goals.
 

SUTS Program Specific Excursions

SUTS provides all GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students with a complimentary weenkend trip to one of the following locations (varies by semester). 

The cost of two excursions is included in your program fees.

• Kota Kinabalu City Tour and Hot Springs – Fly to Kinabalu to explore the city’s attractions and visit the Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring.
• Kuala Lumpur City Tour – Fly to Kuala Lumpur to take in all the sights and resources of Malaysia’s capital city.
• Sarawak City Tour - Kuching City and and Heritage Tour – A perfect introduction to Sarawak's historical capital, the tour includes a visit to the world famous Sarawak Museum and a walk through Old Kuching. Visit to a Longhouse - Learn about the traditional bamboo longhouses of Sarawak. Visit to a National Park - an ideal trip for nature lovers and eco-minded adventurers.

Other Tours and Travel Available

Beyond our included orientation and excursions, you will be able to pre-book a wide variety of day, weekend, and week-long tours at a discounted price through our travel partner, STA Travel. These trips provide the ultimate flexibility for you to travel where you want to go, when you want to go, and with whom you want to go. Most trips have open dates, so you can pre-book the trip(s) that interest you, yet choose your dates later on in your semester. This flexibility also means friends that you make from other countries/programs or even your friends and family who are visiting you abroad can also participate. Learn more>
 

Get Involved Abroad

Community Involvement

While abroad, we recommend getting involved in your local community. It's an awesome way to meet locals, experience the true Malaysian culture, and create long lasting memories. From volunteering to festival-going, we challenge you to make the most of your international experience...

You'll get a taste of how enriching community involvement can be during your first few days in Malaysia on GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program. The program includes one day of pre-arranged volunteering with the local community. You'll interact directly with locals while giving back to and sharing your own culture with the community that first welcomes you to Malaysia.  Plus, you can continue your volunteer efforts throughout the semester making a profound impact on the local community.

Enhance your Experience

Global Citizens Development Modules

The new Global Citizen Development modules are online learning components designed to help you explore your study abroad destination and experience at a whole new level. These modules are not mandatory, however we strongly encourage your participation as they will introduce you to the opportunities and challenges you may encounter when participating in a study abroad program, as well as expose you to cultural insights and knowledge about your host country to help make your program abroad even more successful and fulfilling. Through the 3 modules, you will refine your skills in cross-cultural observation, adaptation, and communication. 

Learn the Local Language!

• LiveMocha - Prior to departure you will receive information and instruction for, LiveMocha, an online language learning program to help you learn your host language. Learn at varying levels and at your own speed. Get started now!
• Lonely Planet Guide & Phrase Book - For both language learning and culture/history/country specific inforamton you will receive a Lonely Planet Guide and Phase book before departure, which will allow you to start planning your adventures and learning how to communicate with locals.
• Additional Language Resources - To even further your language skill take a look at some of these optional language learning tools.
• Basic language practice during the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program (BCP) - for semester/year programs students will participate in the AsiaLearn BCP and have the opportunity to practice their language skills and learn a few new words through interaction with locals.

Course Catalog

*Students enrolled in classes within the Bachelors of Engineering, Science, or Design departments may be charged additional fees for tuition.

Photo Slideshow

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad participants study in Malaysia at the Swinburne University of Technology - Sarawak during their semester/year and summer programs. Take a look at Kuching, Malaysia through the students' eyes. 

Fees

Fee Includes

What’s Included in the Program Fee?

Everything you would expect:

• Personalized Program Counseling including:

MyLearn on-line admissions system
Course selection and credit transfer
Immigration visa assistance
Travel arrangements & airport pickup
Financial aid transfer and financial planning
Pre-departure webinar
Comprehensive participant guide
Help for parents and advisors

• Tuition
• Transfer Credit
• Health Insurance
• On-site Staff
• 24/7 emergency support in North American and abroad
• Internet and cell phone access
• Access to scholarships
• Alumni program on your return

More than you expect:

• Multi-day Bridging Cultures Orientation Program
• Discovery Activities throughout your time abroad
• Day Trips or Weekend Excursions may be included

Additional Housing Fee

Housing only (no meals included) costs range from approximately $1,200 - $1,900*

Housing amenities are generally:

• Single room
• Technology package available
• Linen package available

An additional refundable housing deposit may be required for your housing selection. This housing is self-catered, therefore you will have access to a kitchen where you can prepare your own meals.

*All fees are subject to change.

Dates

Entry Requirements

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Program Team

	Program Manager Jan Amann jamann@globalinksabroad.org 1-800-980-0033 ext. 111
	Program Assistant Thuy Nguyen tnguyen@globalinksabroad.org
	Resident Director Aaron Clark aclark@globalinksabroad.org

Free Excursion