Sydney
Sydney, Australia

Summer in Sydney

Study Program

Dates

-

6 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

6 weeks

Costs

Credit

6 - 7 per Block semester hours

9 - 10.5 per Block quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Head to the "Land Down Under" and discover Australia's breathtaking biodiversity and laidback lifestyle. The country's most diverse and cosmopolitan city, Sydney, offers the perfect blend of city, beach, and nature, with hundreds of beaches and national parks nearby. Known for its exciting food, arts, and entertainment scene, Sydney has plenty to keep you busy during this epic summer study abroad program!

When class is in session at CIEE Sydney, you'll spend one six-week block (or up to two blocks) attending classes led by field experts. Outside the classroom, you'll participate in activities, excursions, and co-curricular activities designed to increase your intercultural understanding of The Emerald City. In your free time, you will have ample opportunities to attend one of many cultural events around the city, take a ferry ride to Manly Beach, hike one of the area's 250+ national parks, and much more.

Build Your Summer Adventure

Select one or two six-week blocks at any CIEE Open Campus Block location. Stay in Sydney for both blocks or go mobile and spend your second block in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dublin, Kyoto, London, Madrid, Monteverde, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, or Yucatan. 

Unique Experiences

Take a well-earned break

at the magnificent, world-renowned Bondi Beach.

\

Explore Aboriginal art

during a visit to the Royal National Park

Enjoy a concert

at the stunning Sydney Opera House.

400

parks and nature areas

80%

species of plants and trees found nowhere else in the world

5 M+

people living in Sydney 

Experience
  • sydney group of study abroad students by shore
  • Sydney
  • Sydney

Your Destination

Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, and one of its largest cities, Sydney, is the country's business hub and launching point for exchanging goods, services, and ideas with Asian neighbors. Sydney is also one of the southern hemisphere's leading centers for startups, trade, finance, tech, and media production! With a population of around five million, Sydney is a bustling cosmopolitan city consistently ranked as one of the best cities to live in globally because of its social inclusion, diversity, tolerance, and healthy lifestyle.   

An incredibly diverse city, Sydney is home to people from all over the world, with nearly half of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 36% born overseas. The Aboriginals are the world's oldest civilization, and this heritage has helped shape modern Australia. This one-of-a-kind mix of people and cultures led to a shared spirit and attitude that has shaped the Australian way of life. Aussies are known for their laid-back, "no-worries" attitude, being open-hearted and open-minded, and believing that everyone should have equal rights and opportunities, known locally as having a "fair go." 

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Sydney.

The Culture

Sydney

Excursions & Activities

Various activities may include:

  • Visit the Royal National Park and catch sight of kookaburras, lyrebirds, and echidnas.  
  • Hike the spectacular Blue Mountains with experienced and informed guides ready to share the environmental and cultural history of the stunning landscape.  
  • Visit the Coolangatta Estate to learn about the site of the first European settlement on the New South Wales coast and its beginnings as a former convict village.
Sydney

Projects, Volunteer Opportunities, or Internships

CIEE Sydney seeks to foster an urban community of learners that is respectful of its surroundings and proactively engages with individuals, community groups, and institutions. Orientation will include an introduction to the community resources and opportunities to give back. Time permitting, you might: 

  • Lend your hand in volunteer programs at parks and schools, and work with youths in after-school programs. 
  • Work with local environmental groups to help maintain public parks and learn about cultural nuances in the process. 

Program Blogs

From CIEE

How I Planned to Study Abroad: Finances, Applying, Passport, & more!

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Savanah Koester I am someone who likes to always have a plan. In my idea of how college was going to go, study abroad was not there for me... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

Students take two credit-bearing courses per summer block. This program provides opportunities to enroll in courses from a variety of academic tracks. Students will learn the intercultural skills needed to succeed in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering.

Arizona State University: Enhance your international academic coursework with optional online courses that best align with your degree requirements and interests. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar, so you can study abroad with CIEE while continuing to meet all your academic goals.

GPA

2.5 

Additional Requirements

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All students must enroll in two credit-bearing CIEE courses per block. 

Online Course Options: students can substitute their CIEE courses with up to two ASU online courses.

Program Credit

  • One block: 6-7 U.S semester/9-10.5 quarter credits 
  • Two blocks: 12-14 U.S. semester/18-21 quarter credits 

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: typically, 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 
  • lab courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

Each course is a full semester in content, covered in a six-week block, so the pace is accelerated, and the workload is demanding. Courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel away from the city when classes are in session and plan trips for the weekends in between blocks. 

Class Format

Courses are typically for CIEE students only. Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday and meet two, three, or four times per week. Attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.   

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded on the basis of attendance, class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Summer Block I 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Summer Block II 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program! 

Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO

 

Program Options

Note: 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 change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • CIEE STEM Scholarship

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Summer Block I 2025 6 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $7,250
Program Summer Blocks I, II 2025 12 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $14,500
Program Summer Block II 2025 6 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $7,250

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $4,450**

Housing = $2,300***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $7,250

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $563

International Airfare = $1,500††

Local Transportation = $220

Books & Supplies = $10

Personal expenses = $175†††

Total Costs = $2,468

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $9,400**

Housing = $4,600***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $14,500

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,126

International Airfare = $1,500††

Local Transportation = $440

Books & Supplies = $20

Personal expenses = $350†††

Total Costs = $3,436

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $4,450**

Housing = $2,300***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $7,250

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $563

International Airfare = $1,500††

Local Transportation = $220

Books & Supplies = $10

Personal expenses = $175†††

Total Costs = $2,468

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Thais Oso

Regional Director of Operations South Pacific Rim

Thais is currently serving as the Center Director in Sydney and the Interim Center Director of Auckland and Melbourne

Dr. Lesley Turnbull

Academic Director

Dr. Turnbull holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Cornell University and has overseen a diverse array of academic programs in CIEE’s Pacific Rim region.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info