Sustainable Smart Cities
Your Sustainable Smart Cites program in Sydney lasts a full semester and provides an in-depth look at how the city is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in Sydney while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses. This program offers a wide range of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary cultural and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in Sydney!
Unique Experiences
Volunteer with Take 3 for the Sea
to explore how plastic pollutions affect Sydney's beautiful beaches and examine how Australian community organizations are solving on a grass roots level
Visit the Greenway, an environmental and active travel corridor
to observe biodiversity regeneration, visit community gardens, and explore healthy travel options throughout the inner west
Visit the Sydney Olympic Park
to understand how the infrastructure continues to be important to the sporting and social fiber of the city and has protected threatened species of birds and reptiles
Your Destination
Sydney is a sustainable smart city known for its commitment to renewable energy, efficient public transport, and green building initiatives. The city integrates smart technology, eco-friendly infrastructure, and urban sustainability to create a high-quality living environment. Students can explore iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, vibrant beaches, and a growing innovation and tech scene. Whether you are studying environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Sydney offers a dynamic and inspiring study abroad experience.
Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from a set of related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to develop integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Sydney will open doors for you to explore Australia’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Tour Centennial Park to learn about the city’s urban green spaces, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable park management
- Take a trip to the Blue Mountains, a wildlife park, to visit a bird sanctuary, experience the biodiversity of Australia’s fauna, and hike through a protected national park
- Go on a coastal sustainability walk on Manly Beach to explore coastal resilience strategies, marine biodiversity conservation, and beach erosion management
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
Which Aussie Animal Are You Based on Your Study Habits?
Which Aussie Animal Are You Based on Your Study Habits? Studying abroad is full of adventure, but let’s be honest—we all approach uni life a little differently. Some of us... keep reading
Sydney’s Best Independent Bookstores
🛋️ Sydney’s Independent Bookstores 📖 Intro Tucked between the beaches, laneways, and buzzing cafés of Sydney are some absolute gems for book lovers—independent bookstores that have captured the hearts of... keep reading
Settling in Abroad in Sydney, Australia
By: Hannah Keefe Hi, my name is Hannah Keefe and I studied at CIEE Sydney for my first block. I have loved this program and the ability to stay in... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Sydney offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to shared apartments, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.
Standard Housing: Includes homestays or twin rooms inside apartments/residence halls.
- Homestays: Homestays provide students with the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Sydney’s diverse culture. Sydney is a multicultural city, and students will stay with families or individuals from various nationalities, including Australians. These homes are located under an hour via public transport from CIEE Sydney and USYD. The homestay experience includes breakfast and dinner from Monday to Friday. Students will have the freedom to come and go as they please while spending quality time with their homestay families, gaining firsthand insight into everyday life in Sydney.
- Shared Apartments/Residence Halls: Double occupancy rooms in shared apartments/residence halls that feature fully equipped kitchen, shared living rooms and bathrooms, and coin-operated shared laundry facilities onsite. Students must purchase their own towels and bed linen. All apartments are located within a 45-minute commute of CIEE Sydney via public transportation.
Select Housing (Limited Availability): Includes a single room in shared apartments/residence halls within a 45-minute commute of CIEE Sydney. The single rooms will mostly be in the same apartments as the twin rooms. The apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, shared living rooms and bathrooms, and coin-operated shared laundry facilities onsite. Students must purchase their own towels and bed linen. Select housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
- Homestays: Homestay hosts provide two meals per day, five days per week.
- Shared Apartments/Residence Halls: Students will have access to shared kitchen facilities to prepare meals or may purchase food and drinks at local supermarkets. Sydney has a vibrant food scene with fresh fruit and vegetables plentiful along with other delicious products. Vegan and vegetarian options are easy to locate and are widely used in the Australian diet. You will find Australian food is influenced from all corners of the globe, so one day you could be enjoying Thai food and the next tucking into a Coat of Arms Pizza (Emu and Kangaroo) at the Australian Hotel. The coffee culture is also very strong, and Sydneysiders are very proud of the brunch offerings across the city.
Academics
CIEE Sydney: Study in a bustling urban area with easy access to the city’s most iconic landmarks and cultural attractions. CIEE Sydney boasts three classrooms, a student lounge, an academic advising office, and a student life office.
University of Sydney (USYD): The University of Sydney is one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious universities, founded in 1850. Located close to central Sydney, USYD offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines and is renowned for its research excellence and global impact.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Featured Courses
The Sustainable Smart Cities program offers a diverse range of courses that explore how urban development, policy, and sustainability intersect. Students will explore important topics such as sustainable business practices, green urban planning, global environmental challenges, and the future of food systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, these courses equip students with the tools and insights needed to tackle pressing sustainability issues and create meaningful change in cities worldwide.
| CIEE Courses (in-person) | University of Sydney (USYD) | ASU Courses (online) |
Building Sustainable Cities Sustainable Development in the 21st Century Business & Sustainability Engineering, Sustainability & Society Sustainable Tourism | Sustainability and Society Managing Organizational Sustainability Sustainability: Climate and Energy Architecture, Place and Society Object Design (Material and Light) | Introduction to Sustainability Sustainable World Sustainable Energy Technology and Systems Pathways to Sustainability |
Academic Projects
Social Sciences
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
The University of Sydney (USYD)
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
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.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Sydney's work scene is characterized as vibrant and diverse, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and work-life balance. Key industries in the city include finance, technology, and creative sectors, offering a dynamic and flexible environment for professionals across various fields.
Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Immerse yourself in today's cutting-edge global media by working in film studios, media companies, the theater, and more.
Business Management and Administration
Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.
Consumer Goods and Retail
Explore consumer behaviors, business strategies, international retail trends, and more in the global commerce marketplace.
Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Experience international legal systems, global justice issues, and law enforcement challenges in courts, firms, and agencies.
Marketing, Sales and Service
Explore global market dynamics, cross-cultural consumer engagement, and sales techniques in firms, agencies, and companies.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Gain hands-on skills in sustainable technologies, research projects, and scientific studies in Costa Rica, Mexico, and more.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
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
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
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 Spring 2026 18 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
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.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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
Our Staff
Kate Smart
Center Director
With over 25 years in international education, Kate is a tireless champion for global learning and cross-cultural connection. Her journey began with a life-changing high school year in Jamaica, igniting...
Jane Hanley
Academic Director
Dr. Jane Hanley has a PhD in International Studies from Macquarie University, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Latin American Literature from University of New South Wales, and a Bachelor of...
Crystal Reay
Program Manager
Crystal is a born and raised Sydney Sider with a Bachelor of Theology and a background that blends over 15 years in Arts, Library Information, and Museum Services. After completing...
Get Started
1
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 CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
4
Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
You might also like
- Sydney, Australia
- Full-Time Internship
Spend 12 weeks interning abroad FT (30-40 hours/week) and earning academic credit while immersing yourself in the culture of modern Sydney, Australia.
- Melbourne, Australia
- Full-Time Internship
Spend 12 weeks interning abroad FT (30-40 hours/week) and earning academic credit while exploring one of the world's most livable cities: Melbourne.
- Melbourne, Australia
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Your CIEE Semester Intern and Study Abroad program in Melbourne lasts 12 weeks and features three key components: A part-time internship with an international organization (15-20 hours per week), an internship seminar, and two academic courses (six credits) taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, ASU.