A brief history of the Bachelor of International Studies at UTS
A lot can happen in 25 years. Since the BAIS was established in 1995, the global landscape has continued to shift – and our degree has shapeshifted alongside it. By 1999, the fundamentals of the degree were set (two years of language, culture and international studies followed by a 12-month immersive university experience in the student’s chosen country), but transformation remains a constant value in a course that’s built on change.
Our timeline
1995: The first cohort of students commence their BAIS studies
At the time, the degree is run by the Institute for International Studies (IIS), a stand-alone body which is the predecessor of the School of International Studies that exists today. The first cohort is relatively small in size, but they are conscious they are pioneers.
1997: The scope of the degree grows quickly
By 1997, our first cohort are well on their way, having commenced language and culture classes and other academic foundations. Students can specialise in a single region by choosing from one of eight majors: China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South-East Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand), Spain, Latin America (Chile, Argentina, Mexico).
1998: The first ever in-country study program begins
The first cohort of forty-seven students travel to countries across the globe, immersing themselves in language and culture beyond Australia’s borders. They stay for a year, working on fieldwork-based projects, reflexive essays, and undertaking local host university classes.
1999: The first BAIS cohort graduates
Our pioneer BAIS students return to UTS, having completed their in-country studies, and grown in maturity and resilience. With a spring in their step, they revert to the professional subjects in their combined degree and subsequently graduate.
2000: Two new majors are introduced
For students who are already proficient in a chosen language or culture, the Heritage major offers the chance to study in a country outside the degree’s listed majors. The Independent Study major also opens doors beyond the existing course structure – students can study a tertiary language program taught in Sydney and arrange an in-country program in the region of their choosing.
2003: Language study comes to UTS
Previously, InSearch delivered the language component of the BAIS – now, it’s part of the IIS offering. The staff in the Institute swell as we welcome our new colleagues and look forward to a more integrated learning experience as students prepare for their in-country studies.
2004: New majors are added to the curriculum
New majors include: Switzerland, Canada, and Latino USA. Our European destinations broaden, and now students can study in a non-English speaking context in North America too.
2006: The School announces a curriculum overhaul
A curriculum overhaul ensures consistency between majors. All Language & Culture subjects are reviewed, and a blended learning model is introduced, combining the best of face-to-face teaching and online learning.
2007: UTS wins an important award for its International Studies curriculum and rethinks majors
The BAIS is cited by The Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education Ltd, ‘for developing students’ international and intercultural competence by providing outstanding preparation and support to students undertaking university study in a non-English speaking country.
The Heritage, Independent Study and South-East Asia majors are phased out, to match changing demand amongst our students. At the same time, staff begin to scope out new majors.
2008: The Comparative Social Change subject is replaced
The Comparative Social Change subject (an introductory subject concerned with modernisation studies in the areas of economy, politics, society, culture and ideology) is replaced by Foundations in International Studies. The new subject has a multi-disciplinary focus on contemporary international issues.
2010: The Colombia major is introduced, and the Switzerland major diversifies
We establish a new Major in Colombia. The Switzerland major is diversified to offer a bilingual option: Students can now study two languages (German, French or Italian) rather than just one, and undertake bilingual in-country studies.
2014: Another new major is established
The latest new major is established, and students seeking to undertake in-country studies in Latin America now have another option: Costa Rica.
In-country study (ICS) student experiences
As a key component of the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, students spend their fourth year of study at a partner university overseas. This year abroad, known as In-country study (ICS), provides a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the language and culture of another country.
1995: The first cohort of students commence their BAIS studies.
At the time, the degree is run by the Institute for International Studies (IIS), a stand-alone body which is the predecessor of the School of International Studies that exists today. The first cohort is relatively small in size, but they are conscious they are pioneers.
1997: The scope of the degree grows quickly
By 1997, our first cohort are well on their way, having commenced language and culture classes and other academic foundations. Students can specialise in a single region by choosing from one of eight majors: China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South-East Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand), Spain, Latin America (Chile, Argentina, Mexico).
1998: The first ever in-country study program begins
The first cohort of forty-seven students travel to countries across the globe, immersing themselves in language and culture beyond Australia’s borders. They stay for a year, working on fieldwork-based projects, reflexive essays, and undertaking local host university classes.
1999: The first BAIS cohort graduates
Our pioneer BAIS students return to UTS, having completed their in-country studies, and grown in maturity and resilience. With a spring in their step, they revert to the professional subjects in their combined degree and subsequently graduate.
2000: Two new majors are introduced
For students who are already proficient in a chosen language or culture, the Heritage major offers the chance to study in a country outside the degree’s listed majors. The Independent Study major also opens doors beyond the existing course structure – students can study a tertiary language program taught in Sydney and arrange an in-country program in the region of their choosing.
2003: Language study comes to UTS
Previously, InSearch delivered the language component of the BAIS – now, it’s part of the IIS offering. The staff in the Institute swell as we welcome our new colleagues and look forward to a more integrated learning experience as students prepare for their in-country studies.
2004: New majors are added to the curriculum
New majors include: Switzerland, Canada, and Latino USA. Our European destinations broaden, and now students can study in a non-English speaking context in North America too.
2006: The School announces a curriculum overhaul
A curriculum overhaul ensures consistency between majors. All Language & Culture subjects are reviewed, and a blended learning model is introduced, combining the best of face-to-face teaching and online learning.
2007: UTS wins an important award for its International Studies curriculum and rethinks majors
The BAIS is cited by The Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education Ltd, ‘for developing students’ international and intercultural competence by providing outstanding preparation and support to students undertaking university study in a non-English speaking country.
The Heritage, Independent Study and South-East Asia majors are phased out, to match changing demand amongst our students. At the same time, staff begin to scope out new majors.
2008: The Comparative Social Change subject is replaced
The Comparative Social Change subject (an introductory subject concerned with modernisation studies in the areas of economy, politics, society, culture and ideology) is replaced by Foundations in International Studies. The new subject has a focus on multi-disciplinary perspectives of contemporary international issues.
2010: The Colombia major is introduced, and the Switzerland major diversifies
We establish a new Major in Colombia. The Switzerland major is diversified to offer a bilingual option: Students can now study two languages (German, French or Italian) rather than just one, and undertake bilingual in-country studies.
2014: Another new major is established
The latest new major is established, and students seeking to undertake in-country studies in Latin America now have another option: Costa Rica.
In-country study (ICS) student experiences
As a key component of the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, students spend their fourth year of study at a partner university overseas. This year abroad, known as In-country study (ICS), provides a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the language and culture of another country.