International and Exchange Students
St George's College welcomes International students pursuing their degree from UWA. They choose to stay at College in order to have the full university experience, to immerse themselves in the college’s culture and to make friends with both Australians and others from across the world.
We also welcome many students for short Study Abroad or Exchange programs. The College benefits from the diversity and cultural experiences provided by the inclusion of international students into our college life.
Being the smallest residential college at UWA, international residents will find support, a welcoming community and an opportunity to forge life-long friendships.
Hear from our International Students
Luna Zhang
At the time I as considering where to do my postgrad, I happened to stumble across Perth. St George’s mentioned that you are not allowed to bring your phone into the dining hall, which I found very intriguing. Then I applied to the college before I applied to the UWA. Honestly, if I hadn't got an offer from George's, I mightn’t have even ended up here at UWA. As an international student, I'd say St George's provides an environment for personal growth. It allows me to step out of my familiar cultural surroundings and immerse myself in a different culture. Through this, I've gained a better understanding of myself and a deeper insight into many things. I think this is the most meaningful aspect, aside from the academic. Rather than picking out specific favourite moments from my time here, I would say that I enjoy every minute I spend at St George's. The variety of activities really fills up my free time. Looking back on this year at George's, I can really feel my own growth, and that's something really amazing.
Weiqi Su
I chose STGC because I want to experience the culture in Perth and learn more about a place that is relevant to UWA. I think studying abroad means is to try to be experience being a local and not just being with people you’ve already met. I think the distance from UWA to St George’s is so friendly and I can easily get to uni every day and evening because of the safety distance and people. I look forward to talking with friends I have met, and the help from tutors in STGC, my study style is different but it is fantastic to learn in the new culture. I am very appreciative of STGC. I am able to do a great job in my accounting and finance course, and I hope to apply to be a tutor in STGC in 2024. Every moment in George’s is my favorite. The music concerts and the fresher orientation days are a strong memory for me. Next semester I hope to stay at St George’s and contribute for another year!
Heidi Kilshaw
Adjusting to life away from home, friends, and family was challenging at first, especially with the seven-hour time difference. Thankfully, living at St George’s Residential College made that transition much smoother. Shortly after I arrived in Perth, we began a packed two-week orientation program, and before long, I felt fully immersed in life at UWA. Having a roommate was also a real highlight; sharing the experience added so much more to my time abroad.
One of the best parts of living at college was the strong sense of community. Seeing friends every day, even just at mealtimes, was something I never took for granted. The formal dinners hosted throughout the semester were a real standout. They gave me the chance to connect with guest speakers in the environmental science field and talk to other residents about career paths and internship opportunities in and around Perth. Being at St George’s and UWA has given me a much clearer vision for my future, and I really hope I’ll get the chance to return one day.
Outside of uni work, I made sure to explore as much of Western Australia as possible. I went on my first-ever camping trip: a 10-day road trip up to Exmouth, where I swam with whale sharks in Coral Bay, and even got the chance to see a pod of dolphins swim alongside the boat. This was an experience I’ll never forget. Additionally, I snorkelled in the Ningaloo Reef across 3 of those days and even got to see the same fluorescing corals that inspired me years ago while writing my personal statement. That moment felt surreal to me. I also spent a week in Bali and am now planning a trip to Esperance after exams to make the most of my final few weeks here.
Abby Wilner
St. George’s appealed to me because of its size. It’s the smallest college, and therefore fosters a tight-knit community. Being from a city back home, I was looking for a change of pace. There’s something so special about your closest friends living just footsteps away. Impromptu gatherings in each other’s rooms have given me my most favorite memories. Settling into uni abroad has its hurdles. Assignments are marked differently, there are different expectations, protocols, etc. Being surrounded by a network of other students has been so helpful in this regard. An abundance of people are always willing to help me navigate through uni confusion. My favorite George’s-specific memory is a recurring event called Compline. Held on periodic Thursday evenings in the college chapel, residents gather to hear the consort sing classical music. The performance is entirely candle-lit, and everyone wears academic gowns. I had no idea what to expect my first time, and it was one of the most beautiful things I’d ever heard. A couple of us have been back each time since, and it’s become a tradition I’ll miss very much.