CIEE Arts and Sciences Program in Sydney, Australia

  Australia

• Sydney: 
Sydney

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Throughout the year 
Dates: Fall 19 weeks: mid-July-mid-November; Spring 19 weeks: mid-February-late-June; Academic Year 50 weeks: mid-July-late June; Calendar Year 40 weeks: mid-February-mid-November

Description: The Arts and Sciences program at the University of Sydney is designed to give students a challenging academic experience at Australia's top research university. Participants study alongside local students and become fully immersed in the social, cultural, and intellectual life of this beautiful, diverse, and dynamic city. The CIEE orientation and excursion program allows students to interact with each other while traversing the culture and landscapes that enrich their understanding of contemporary Australia.

Academic Program
The CIEE Study Center at the University of Sydney provides students with a supportive environment and allows participants to fulfill home institution major and elective requirements in a variety of fields. Students are encouraged to enroll in at least one course with specific Australian content or one that offers a distinctive Australian perspective in their area of interest. Students interested in psychology, communications, and the sciences will find multiple options to fulfill requirements in their major.

Academic Culture
The Australian educational system is student-centered, requiring self-motivation and independent learning from students. American students need to be prepared to adapt to this learning style and realize they need to take initiative in classes that do not provide continuous assessment throughout the semester. A typical class requires two or three hours of lectures and one or two hours of tutorials or seminar classes each week. Science-based classes normally require three hours of laboratory classes per week. Students learn through a mixture of lectures and small-group tutorials and seminars that allow them the opportunity to discuss and process what they are learning and keep pace with their fellow students.

The CIEE Arts and Sciences program in Sydney is offered both semesters and consists of a three-day orientation, approximately 13 weeks of classes, a one-week mid-semester break, a one-week study period, and a two-week final exam period. At Australian universities, the academic year runs from late February or early March through the end of November and comprises two main sessions. Session I, from late February/early March to early July, corresponds to the U.S. spring semester. Session II, from mid-July through November, corresponds to the U.S. fall semester. The academic year program consists of two consecutive semesters and may follow the U.S. calendar (Session II and Session I) or the Australian calendar (Session I and Session II).

Highlights:

• On-site CIEE Resident Director provides students with full-time academic and personal support and arranges local and regional excursions, volunteer opportunities, and cultural events
  
• Unique course options in psychology, media and communications, sciences, gender studies, and Jewish studies
  
• Convenient urban campus with easy access to Sydney Harbor, entertainment, shopping, and the central business district

Murramarang Excursion
A highlight of the semester is a 2- or 3-day excursion to an area of outstanding natural beauty on the New South Wales south coast, where students are introduced to Aboriginal culture as well as to Australian flora and fauna. Students stay in cabins surrounded by a national park, water, and beaches. Dolphins can sometimes be seen in the bay and kangaroos freely roam the area, visiting from the nearby forests. On some trips students may spend a day hiking a mountain that is sacred to the local Aboriginal people, guided by an Aboriginal elder who imparts precious teachings about Indigenous Australians and their culture, an experience that few Australians ever have.

Other options may include a bay cruise to see dolphins and other marine park wildlife, and take part in an authentic Aboriginal corroboree or dance. Theres also time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings - clear blue waters, long sandy beaches, and a coastline largely untouched by humans. Whichever weekend students are a part of, they are encouraged to get in touch with nature and see themselves in a new light to find their creative inner selves. The stunning natural setting is perfect for such reflection.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: yes

Overall GPA 3.0

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Australia Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Scholarships are Available. We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

CIEE's Mission Statement: Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded: 1947