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Academic Program

Established in 1997, the Arts and Sciences program at the University of Wollongong allows participants to fulfill home institution major requirements in a variety of fields. Students are fully assimilated into University life by studying and living with students from Australia and other countries, thus becoming part of the melting pot of cultures that is integral to campus life. Students benefit academically and personally from the new perspectives, insights, and experiences gained from studying in a genuinely multicultural, but English language-based, society.

A wide range of courses in a variety of disciplines is available from the following faculties: arts, commerce, creative arts, education, engineering, health and behavioral sciences, informatics, law, and science. CIEE students are encouraged to enroll in at least one course with specific Australian content or in a course that offers a distinctive Australian perspective in their area of interest.

What You'll Learn

The Arts and Sciences program at the CIEE Study Center at the University of Wollongong provides a supportive environment in which students gain personal independence and intellectual insight into Australia’s dynamic and contemporary society. Through integration with local students and by partaking in CIEE field trips, students participate in and reflect upon the academic, social, and cultural environments in which they live and study. The University’s location offers students easy access to the larger cities while studying in an area of natural beauty.

Academic Culture

The Australian educational system generally expects self-motivated, independent work from students. American students need to adapt to this learning style and 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 seminars each week. Science-based subjects normally require an additional three hours of laboratory classes weekly.

The University’s academic year runs from mid-February through mid-November and comprises two main sessions. Session I, from mid-February to late June, corresponds to the U.S. spring semester (known as the University of Wollongong “Autumn Session”). Session II, from mid-July to mid-November, corresponds to the U.S. fall semester (known as the University of Wollongong “Spring Session”). Students attending the University of Wollongong in the U.S. fall semester will finish exams in mid-November. Students in the U.S. spring semester will finish exams in late June.

The program is offered both semesters and consists of a one-week orientation, 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 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).

Nature of Classes

Participants enroll directly in host university courses and take classes with Australian and other international students.

CIEE Language Commitment

At all program locations where English is not the primary language, CIEE encourages participants to use the local language whenever possible.

Internship

This program does not currently offer an internship. For a list of programs that do, visit Search for a Program and search for "internships" under "what do you want to study."

Grading System

Assessment is normally based on a mix of essays, project reports, midterms, tutorial/ seminar participation and performance, and practical and final exams. Australian universities generally employ the following seven-point grading system: High Distinction (HD) 85–100 percent; Distinction (D) 75–84 percent; Credit (C) 65–74 percent; Pass (P) 50–64 percent; Pass Terminating or Pass Conceded (PT/PC) 45–49 percent; Fail (F) 0–44 percent; and Technical Fail (TF) no mark. Pass Terminating (PT)/Pass Conceded (PC) may not be offered in all faculties. Technical Fail (TF) may be used when a student fails to meet an appropriate assessment level that is required to pass that subject. Grades are converted to a U.S. grading scale.

Program Requirements

All students are required to take three or four courses, totaling 24 University of Wollongong credit points per semester.

Credit Description

Total recommended credit for the semester is 15 semester/22.5 quarter hours. Total recommended credit for the academic or calendar year is 30 semester/45 quarter hours.

Recommended credit varies from 4 to 5 credits per course.

Courses

University of Wollongong
There are nine faculties at the University of Wollongong. Students may choose a program of study comprising subjects from one or more of the faculties. The subjects listed here are a representative sample of study areas available. A wide range of subjects (“units”) is available within each area of study. Classes normally meet for 13 weeks. Science students can expect to spend more time in classes and labs. Not all subjects/units are available every semester. Students should consult the University of Wollongong website at www.uow.edu.au/handbook for course details under “subject descriptions.”

Some courses may have prerequisites. Students wishing to enroll in such courses must either meet the specified prerequisites or have approval from the head of the relevant academic unit to enroll. In general, evidence of successful completion of a course or courses reasonably similar in content and level at the home institution will satisfy the prerequisite requirement. It is possible that some subjects may not be available to study abroad students due, for example, to enrollment pressures from students in tightly structured programs or with limited places in laboratory classes.

Arts/Humanities
Aboriginal Studies
Asia-Pacific Studies
Australian Studies
Communication and Media Studies
Community, Culture, and Environment
English
European Studies
Gender Studies
History
International Relations
Languages (Chinese, French, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Spanish)
Philosophy
Politics
Postcolonial Studies
Science, Technology, and Society
Sociology
War and Society Studies

Business and Commerce
Accountancy
Business
Business Information Systems
E-Commerce
Economics
Employment Relations
Finance
Hospitality/Events/Tourism

Creative Arts/Performance
Creative Writing
Graphic Design and New Media
Music and Sound
Theater and Performance
Visual Arts

Earth and Environmental Sciences
Ecology
Environmental Science
Geography
Geology
Land and Heritage Management
Resource and Environmental Studies

Education
Physical and Health Education
Primary Education
Secondary Education
The Early Years (0–5)

Engineering
Civil
Computer
Electrical
Environmental
Materials
Mechanical
Mechatronics
Mining
Telecommunications

Health Sciences
Community Health
Exercise Rehabilitation
Indigenous Health
Medical Science
Nursing
Nutrition/Dietetics
Population Health
Psychology

Options for Nursing and Health Sciences Majors
Study abroad an ideal way for students to learn about cross-cultural and international perspectives affecting today’s global society from a health perspective. The University of Wollongong offers courses in health policy, nursing, chemistry, and biology, among others, that pre-med and nursing students can take to fulfill major requirements. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the University of Wollongong website at www.uow.edu.au/content/groups/public/@web/@unia/documents/doc/uow074860.pdf

Human Resource Management
International Business
Management
Management—Health
Marketing
Public Relations
Supply Chain Management

Information Technology
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Digital Systems Security
Information Systems
Information Technology
Internet Science and Technology
Multimedia and Game Development
Network Systems and Management
Software Engineering

Law
Bachelor of Laws
Mathematics
Finance

Mathematics
Statistics

Media/Communication Studies
Media and Cultural Studies
Journalism

Science
Biology
Biotechnology
Chemistry
International Science
Marine Science
Medical Radiation Physics
Medicinal Chemistry
Nanotechnology
Nuclear Science
Photonics
Physics

This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to changes as a result ofongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment. Syllabi for the CIEE courses listed above are available upon request.


CIEE Study Center Syllabi
To view the most recent syllabi for courses taught by CIEE at our Study Centers, visit our syllabi site.

Faculty

All courses are taught by faculty from the University of Wollongong.

Cultural Activities

Cultural Activities and Field Trips
The academic program is supplemented with CIEE daylong and multi-day field trips and excursions to various points of interest in the Wollongong, Sydney, and South Coast areas, as well as adventure activities throughout the semester.

South Coast Excursion
A highlight of the semester is a three-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. Program participants stay in cabins at a comfortable resort, located right on the beach and surrounded by a national park. Dolphins and whales can sometimes be seen in the bay, and kangaroos and wallabies freely roam the resort.

A day is spent hiking a mountain that is sacred to the local Aboriginal people. The hike is led by an Aboriginal guide who imparts teachings about Indigenous Australians and their culture. This insight is extremely special and provides an experience that few Australians ever have. It has had a huge impact on past participants on the program.

Bushwalks are led by a local naturalist, giving students a deeper understanding of local flora, fauna, and geology. Relax and enjoy your beautiful surroundings—clear blue waters, long sandy beaches, and a coastline largely untouched by humans.

Other Trips and Activities
Other trips and destinations may include: A day trip to Sydney to view the iconic city; an overnight trip to the Blue Mountains where students may abseil down sandstone cliffs and bushwalk in ancient canyons; surfing lessons on one of the Illawarra’s many beaches; excursions to sports events, such as an Australian Football League or Aussie Rules match; and trips to the Nan Tien Temple (largest Buddhist Temple in the southern hemisphere).

Immersion

Immersion in the local culture is a priority at CIEE Study Centers around the world.CIEE participants make the most of their program through CIEE-guided excursions, field study and internship programs, volunteering, conversation exchanges, homestays, and special events. The opportunities will vary depending on location. read on to learn more about this program.