The benefits of studying abroad are well known. While gaining an internationally recognised qualification, students who study abroad develop language skills, grow in independence and acquire a new, much broader perspective.
Naturally, caring parents want to be sure their child will receive the best possible support to ensure their experience is a positive one.
Leav Vanvatey – who is now in the second year of her Bachelor of Business degree at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – tells of how she transitioned from her home in Cambodia to study in Australia.
After completing her studies at Western International School in Phnom Penh, Vanvatey considered her options with great care.
“I sought a lot of advice from my parents and friends. My dad really helped me. We looked at how I enjoyed accounting and business subjects in high school, and I chose to study business.
“Then we compared the big universities, and I ended up choosing UTS because of recommendations from friends, the location, the campus, all those things – the whole vibe of it. It just felt better for me,” she says.
UTS College, the pathway to UTS
Like many international students, Vanvatey began her Australian experience with a Diploma of Business from UTS College, the pathway to UTS.
“UTS College is a really good place to start. It helps you adjust to the big change of going to an Australian university. Before coming, I was a bit shy. I could speak English, but the diploma helped me learn to speak up and socialise.
“I built connections and made friends. The classes were small so the tutors could focus on individuals. And the teachers were so approachable and helpful. They answered all my questions and helped me through assignments.
“I never felt scared to ask about anything. I think the diploma was a good decision because it can fast-track you to second year at UTS. It guarantees you a place,” she says.
A high-ranking university with a practical edge
Vanvatey is now thriving at UTS, which has earned a place in the world’s top one per cent of universities.
It is Australia’s top ranking young university and ranks among the world’s top 100 at 90 in the world.
And Vanvatey says she enjoys the practical approach to learning.
“Last semester I had a course called ‘The Financial System’. It gave us hands-on experience of how the financial world works and how it looks.
“I also look forward to doing my internship next year, and all the experiences and opportunities that come with that,” she says.
Employers love UTS
The kind of real-world learning experiences Vanvatey is enjoying put UTS graduates ahead in the job market.
With an overall 5-star QS employability rating (2021-2024), UTS is ranked 62nd for graduate employability worldwide, and fifth in Australia.
And UTS’s close ties to more than 1,000 industry partners can help your child connect with influential companies such as Atlassian and Microsoft.
Course content reflects the real world of work, with valuable input from industry partners. That’s one of the ways UTS has earned Sydney’s top ranking for industry focus.
Looking back, Vanvatey says she is very happy with her decision to begin her Australian experience at UTS College.
“It’s a really good place to start. It was like a stepping stone that helped me get used to all the changes before going to UTS,” she says.
Guarantee your child’s entry to UTS*
UTS College offers the following courses, designed in collaboration with UTS:
• English language programmes;
• UTS Foundation Studies;
• Diplomas (undergraduate pathways in Business, Communication, Design and Architecture, Engineering, IT, Law, and Science);
• Pre-Masters’ programme with Graduate Certificates in Accounting and Finance, Communication, and Technology Practice.
UTS College also provides extensive personalised support to ensure your child’s success as they adjust to life abroad.
These pathway programmes are guaranteed to get successful students into the UTS degree they want.
In fact, students can often fast-track to second year at UTS on the successful completion of a related diploma.
Find out more about UTS. Download a free parent guide today.
* For international students, guaranteed entry to UTS is based on no more than two subject failures and depends on the course chosen.
Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2022.
QS World Rankings 2024.
QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
AMR RepTrak Survey 2017.
