CIEE Studio Arts Program in Sydney, Australia

  Australia

• Sydney: 
Sydney

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

Description: The Studio Arts program is designed to give art students a challenging academic experience in contemporary visual arts at Australias top university. Participants are taught by practicing artists and become fully immersed in the social, cultural, and intellectual life of Sydney College of the Arts and the surrounding neighborhood of Rozelle. The CIEE orientation and excursion program allows students to interact with each other, while traversing the culture and landscapes that enrich their understanding of Australian society and Sydneys arts scene.

Academic Program
The Studio Arts program at the CIEE Study Center at Sydney College of the Arts (SCA) provides a supportive environment in which to study and allows participants to fulfill home institution major requirements in the areas of art and visual art.

Underpinning the focus on studio-based work are courses in the history and theory of art with particular emphasis on current debates. These give students a lucid and critical awareness of state-of-the-art issues that inform and generate art practices locally and globally. All courses are taught by practicing and exhibiting artists with international reputations. They are integrally connected to the vibrant Sydney art scene and bring the passion and ideas of their own contemporary art practices into teaching. Students at SCA are strongly encouraged to explore and develop work following their own creative aesthetic path and to develop an original art practice.

Academic Culture
The CIEE Studio Arts program 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. The academic year runs from early February through late November and is comprised of two main sessions. Session I, from early February to late June, corresponds to the U.S. spring semester. Session II, from mid- July through late November, corresponds to the U.S. fall semester. The academic year program consists of two consecutive semesters and may follow the U.S. academic year (Session II and Session I) or the Australian calendar year (Session I and Session II).

Highlights:

• Studio teaching combined with theory in the areas of Object Art and Design, Fine Arts, and Media Arts
  
• Full-time academic and personal support provided by the CIEE Resident Director
  
• Unique campus setting with a diverse selection of restaurants and cafes
  
• Regional excursions, including a bush walking trip to the coast of New South Wales, as well as many cultural and educational activities such as visits to local galleries, museums, and art openings

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 will 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 option 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