Melanie Seje and her journey in the dual degree program at The University of Queensland

The dual degree program at Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC-PERU) allows senior students to experience studying at a foreign university, providing various benefits, including an additional academic degree alongside the UPC Bachelor’s degree. Moreover, this option, facilitated by the university, offers additional advantages in the professional sphere that can prove to be highly advantageous for students upon graduation as they embark on their respective careers.

This is exemplified by Melanie Seje, a student in the Administration and Marketing program at the Faculty of Business at UPC-PERU, who harbored the desire to study abroad from the early stages of her academic journey. She chose UPC as her academic home due to its reputation for providing numerous opportunities for students to continue their studies in other countries. The decision to pursue studies abroad materialized during the penultimate year of her program, where she discovered the dual degree program offered by the International Office of UPC. Melanie shares, «I was in my penultimate year, and I thought it was time, so I started researching programs and found the dual degree option. There were three choices for my program: the United States, Spain, and Australia.»

She opted for the opportunity to study in Australia, specifically at The University of Queensland, which ranks among the top universities globally (43)*. Throughout her entire experience at this institution, Melanie notes significant differences in the educational approach compared to Peru. Firstly, education in Australia is characterized by a greater degree of freedom, allowing students to tailor their studies independently and choose their preferred learning methods. Melanie remarks, «Education here is more independent; there are only a maximum of 3 grades per course, and you take 4 courses, with no mandatory attendance.» It is noteworthy that the dual degree program with The University of Queensland also extends to other disciplines such as Hospitality and Tourism Management, International Business Management, Finance and Human Resources Management.

In the realm of employment, foreign students studying in Australia are legally permitted to work part-time alongside their studies. Furthermore, upon completing their studies and securing full-time employment, they may extend their stay in the country for an additional 2 or 4 years**. Subsequently, they can decide whether to stay, explore other destinations, or return to their home country, bringing with them the knowledge and experiences acquired, contingent on their personal and professional objectives. Numerous options exist to connect students with companies, facilitating the initiation of their professional lives and the accumulation of valuable experience. Melanie shares her experience, stating, «I found an agency that connects students with companies, and after applying, I received a response two weeks ago that I passed the process to start my internship.» This opportunity, provided by the dual degree program at UPC-PERU, positively impacts the job market, allowing participants to gain additional experience for their future endeavors upon graduation.

Melanie expresses her desire to seize the opportunity to stay for a while and practice her profession due to the myriad of opportunities available in her field. She explains, «Taking advantage of this opportunity that I had, I would like to stay for a while and practice my profession, but not permanently.» This serves as an exemplary path for many more UPC-PERU students who wish to fully immerse themselves in this experience, reaping numerous benefits and expanding their horizons. Melanie offers some advice for them: «I believe that when given the opportunity to go to another country, they should make the most of the education and consider new approaches in their careers. Additionally, they should make the most of networking and contacts that will prove beneficial for their professional lives.»

With its extensive array of benefits, the dual degree program offered by the International Office of UPC-PERU stands out as an invaluable tool to enhance and complement the professional trajectory of its students. Upon concluding their studies abroad, participants will not only face new challenges but will also immerse themselves in enriching and unique experiences. This initiative signifies UPC-PERU’s steadfast commitment to providing world-class educational opportunities that prepare students to excel in a globalized and competitive environment.

*QS World University Ranking 2024

**The final deadline is determined by the Australian government. Please note that this information is subject to change based on the foreign country’s immigration laws. Visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/post-study-work  for more information.