Written by Jenson McIntosh
Many students think that studying full-time means putting travel plans on hold. But at Charles Sturt University , our academic calendar actually makes it easier than you might think to combine study, work, and adventure. With a long summer break from late October to early March, there’s plenty of time to earn money, gain experience, and still explore the world.
That’s exactly what I did. As a Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management student, I wanted to make the most of my summer by working the 2024-2025 harvest season. For just over a month, I worked at GrainCorp alongside my girlfriend, earning enough to fund an incredible trip to Vietnam and Cambodia.
Making the Most of Charles Sturt’s Summer Break
One of the biggest perks of studying at Charles Sturt is the way the university year is structured. Unlike some other universities that have shorter breaks, Charles Sturt students finish exams by late October and don’t start again until early March. That’s around four months of potential travel time, plenty of time to work, save, and explore.
I took advantage of this by working the grain harvest season. It was hard work, but the experience was rewarding. Not only did I get hands-on exposure in the ag industry, but I also made enough money to fund a major overseas trip.
From Harvest to Holidays: Vietnam and Cambodia
After harvest wrapped up, my girlfriend and I packed our bags and set off to Vietnam and Cambodia. Our trip lasted 16 days in Vietnam, traveling through central and northern regions, and another week in Cambodia.
One of the most rewarding parts of our trip was spending a week volunteering at a school in Cambodia. It was an eye-opening experience and a reminder of how much we can learn from different cultures.
In Vietnam, we explored bustling cities, scenic landscapes, and incredible local food. The trip was unforgettable—and it wouldn’t have been possible without Charles Sturt’s flexible study schedule.
Why Travel and Study?
A lot of students assume that university life means putting off travel until after graduation. But with the right planning, it’s completely possible to study full-time and still explore the world.
Here’s why Charles Sturt makes it easier:
- Long summer breaks – Time to work and save before traveling.
- Flexible online learning – If needed, some courses allow study from anywhere.
- Industry-relevant work – Jobs like harvest work let you earn money while gaining experience.
- Personal growth – Travel teaches independence, adaptability, and problem-solving—skills that are valuable in any career.
Final Thoughts
My experience working the harvest and then traveling was one of the best things I’ve done during my degree. It’s proof that you don’t have to wait until after uni to start exploring—you can study, work, and travel all at once.
So, if you’re a student thinking about traveling, start planning now! Take advantage of the long summer break, find a good seasonal job, and make your travel dreams a reality.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
