Here’s What to Do When You’re Nearing the End of Your Study Abroad Program in Australia

As your study abroad experience in Australia nears its conclusion, it’s important to plan ahead for a smooth transition back home, whether you’re returning to Pakistan or embarking on a new adventure.

This final phase of your time abroad can be both exciting and bittersweet. By organizing your priorities and taking care of key tasks, you can ensure that you make the most of your remaining time.

This guide will help you navigate your final days in Australia and prepare for your return, with a particular focus on Pakistani students studying abroad.

Let’s walk through essential steps to make your transition easier, ensuring you leave Australia with valuable memories, contacts, and future opportunities.

1. Wrap Up Your Studies

The first priority as you near the end of your study abroad program in Australia is to complete your academic responsibilities.

• Final exams and assignments: Make sure to stay on top of your final exams, projects, and assignments. A strong finish academically can impact your final GPA, which may influence job prospects or future study opportunities.
• Meet with academic advisors: Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor or professors to discuss your progress and future goals. This can also be an opportunity to ask for recommendation letters, which can be useful if you plan to apply for jobs or further studies in Pakistan or internationally.
• Gather transcripts and important documents: Ensure that you collect and safely store copies of your academic transcripts, degree completion certificates, and any other necessary paperwork. These documents will be crucial when applying for jobs or further studies back in Pakistan.

2. Reflect on Your Experience

Taking time to reflect on your study abroad experience is important, both personally and academically.

Document your experiences, as these could help you later in interviews or academic essays.

• Create a portfolio or journal: Compile a collection of your academic and extracurricular achievements during your time in Australia. This could include projects, essays, certificates, or even personal reflections.
• Stay connected with professors and classmates: Build a professional network by staying in touch with your Australian professors and classmates through platforms like LinkedIn. They can be a valuable resource for references and future collaborations.
• Evaluate your personal growth: Reflect on how the experience has helped you grow. Studying abroad can improve your independence, communication skills, and adaptability—traits highly valued by employers in Pakistan and around the world.

3. Plan Your Travel and Accommodation

As your departure date approaches, it’s important to finalize your travel and accommodation plans.

• Confirm flight bookings: Book your flight home or to your next destination well in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes. Airlines often offer discounts to students returning home, so keep an eye out for deals from carriers such as Pakistan International Airlines and Qantas.
• Sell or donate belongings: Consider selling or donating items you won’t be taking home, such as furniture or textbooks. Many universities have student groups on social media where you can sell these items.
• Shipping items back to Pakistan: If you have more belongings than you can carry, research affordable shipping options to send things back home. Services like DHL or Australia Post may offer student discounts for international shipments.

4. Address Financial Matters

Managing your finances efficiently before leaving Australia is crucial to avoid complications later.

• Close your Australian bank account: If you set up a bank account in Australia, ensure that it is closed properly before you leave. Be sure to transfer any remaining funds to your bank account in Pakistan.
• Claim your superannuation: International students working in Australia contribute to a retirement savings system called superannuation. When leaving Australia, you can claim these funds through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) program. This can give you a financial boost when you return home.
• Clear any debts: Pay any outstanding bills, including rent, utility bills, or mobile phone charges, before leaving the country to avoid issues in the future.

5. Apply for Post-Graduation Opportunities

Whether you’re returning to Pakistan or planning to stay abroad, this is the time to think about what comes next.

• Post-study work visas: If you want to gain professional experience in Australia before heading home, consider applying for a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). This visa allows international students to stay in Australia temporarily after graduation and work in their field of study.
• Job hunting in Pakistan: If you’re heading back to Pakistan and looking for work, now is the time to update your resume, practice interview skills, and start networking. Be sure to tailor your resume to the Pakistani job market, emphasizing your international education and the skills you’ve gained abroad.
• Further studies: If you plan to continue your studies, start researching graduate programs or scholarships. Both Australia and Pakistan offer numerous postgraduate opportunities, and being proactive will give you a head start.

6. Extend Your Travel Experience

Don’t leave Australia without exploring a bit more. If your visa permits, take some time to see places you’ve missed during your studies.

• Visit iconic Australian destinations: Consider visiting famous spots like the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House, or Uluru before your departure. These iconic places will offer you an unforgettable travel experience.
• Weekend getaways: If you’re short on time, plan quick trips to nearby cities like Melbourne, Brisbane, or Adelaide. Australia has plenty of natural beauty, from beaches to wildlife sanctuaries, that’s worth experiencing before you leave.
• Travel insurance: If you plan to extend your travels within or outside Australia, make sure your travel insurance is still valid. Some providers offer extended coverage for international students.

7. Reconnect with Family and Friends in Pakistan

Returning home after a long period abroad can be both exciting and challenging.

• Prepare for reverse culture shock: It’s common to experience reverse culture shock when returning home after studying abroad. Re-adjusting to life in Pakistan might take time, so be patient with yourself.
• Re-establish connections: Get back in touch with family and friends in Pakistan to ease your transition. They can help you readjust and offer emotional support as you settle back into life at home.
• Bring back souvenirs: Bringing home small gifts from Australia for family and friends can be a thoughtful way to show your appreciation for their support during your time abroad.

8. Health and Medical Check-ups

Your health is just as important as all the other logistics involved in returning home.

• Health insurance and check-ups: Before leaving Australia, make sure you’ve utilized any necessary medical services under your
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). It may be beneficial to get a full health check-up before you leave.
• Vaccination records: Ensure you have a copy of your medical records, including vaccination history, especially if you’re planning further travel or studies. You might need this information when applying for jobs or schools in Pakistan.

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Conclusion

As you near the end of your study abroad program in Australia, it’s essential to stay organized and plan your next steps carefully. Whether you’re returning to Pakistan to start a new chapter, staying for a while longer, or embarking on another international adventure, the tips outlined above will help you make a smooth transition.

For more information on studying abroad in Australia and tips for Pakistani students, visit Study in Australia and Australian Government Resources.

By focusing on your academic achievements, financial responsibilities, and future career or study plans, you can make the most of your remaining time in Australia and set yourself up for success back in Pakistan.