Looking to learn about the Australian workplace while making new friends and giving back to your local community? 

Australian Business Essentials (ABE) is a co-curricular program tailor-made for international students at UNSW Business School. In this program you will have the opportunity to develop your professional communication skills, gain a good understanding of Australian workplace culture, and apply this knowledge through volunteering experiences at local Not for Profits.

ABE has a time commitment of 20 hours and is delivered in two parts: 

  1. Four mandatory in-person workshops on Wednesdays 3-5pm during Week 1, 2, 4 & 5 
  2. 12 hours of volunteering at local not for profits. More details about these not for profits will be shared in Workshop 1.

The workshops will take you through key topics such as cultural context for the Australian workplace, communication and networking, and interview tips around how to articulate your experience for your future careers.

What will you get after completing the program?

Upon completing the four workshops and a minimum 12 hours of volunteering you will get:

  • 28 MCom points (if applicable)
  • AHEGS transcript
  • Digital Badge for LinkedIn

Applications for 2024 are closed. Applications for T1 2025 will be released in November.

Have a question? Reach out to us at ABE@unsw.edu.au

Note: Students may attempt to complete the Australian Business Essentials program two times. Failure to complete the program requirements a second time will result in exclusion from attempting Australian Business Essentials again.

  • In Australian Business Essentials, you will have the opportunity to: 

    • Develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to engage in interpersonal communication in a professional context in Australia

    • Develop and demonstrate an understanding of Australian culture in a range of environments

    • Apply new knowledge about Australian business culture and practice communication skills in culturally immersive experiences 

    • Start or grow professional network and make new social connections

    • Apply ESG values and give back to local communities through volunteering experiences

  • Australian Business Essentials (ABE) is a great program that helped me learn more about the Australian workplace. I liked the volunteering part of ABE the most as it provided me the chance to really communicate with local Australians and do something meaningful for my community. I also made some true friendships out of ABE.

    Cheng (Kris) Lou, Master of Financial Analysis

    Australian Business Essentials (ABE) helped me build my confidence and broaden my networks. Taking part in ABE is one of the best decisions I have made while studying at UNSW and I have to say my professional path started with this program.

    Yizhong (Alisa) Zhang, Master of Commerce (Extension)

    I have attended lots of programs before at university, but Australian Business Essentials (ABE) is the most interesting one. This program included various cultural and volunteering off-campus activities which was an excellent opportunity for me to experience true Aussie culture.
    I highly recommend international postgraduate students participate in ABE. The workshops and activities in this program are amazing and you won’t want to miss any of them!

    Jiahui (Isabella) Wang, Master of Professional Accounting

Questions?

For further information, please email ABE@unsw.edu.au