High School Academy in Sydney

Start your semester abroad with three weeks in London at CIEE’s Global Gateway Academy, where you’ll build friendships and a strong foundation for your experience. Through the Intercultural Communication & Leadership course, you’ll engage in interactive workshops, discussions, and community engagement activities across London that explore how values, perspectives, and communication styles shape cross-cultural interactions. This experiential approach prepares you for your semester abroad while supporting your growth as a globally aware, confident leader. 

Based on national social studies standards, this course helps you develop practical skills for academic and real-world success while reflecting on your identity and leadership potential along the way. Each day, you will engage in a balanced mix of classroom learning and hands-on experiences, spending about three hours in the classroom, two hours in community-based or hands-on field work, and two hours participating in interactive workshops or dedicated study time to work on projects or begin your online ASU coursework. 

By the conclusion of the course, you’ll complete key assignments that highlight your growth and leave prepared to: 

• Communicate effectively across cultures 
• Show empathy, curiosity, and respect in new environments 
• Navigate cultural transitions with confidence 
• Collaborate and lead in diverse groups 
• Identify how your cultural background shapes your values, identity, and how you communicate 
• Engage ethically and thoughtfully with your host community

Your High School Abroad academic experience combines in-person classes on core topics with a wide variety of online courses, letting you enjoy the benefits of studying abroad while having the peace of mind that your coursework is designed to support your academic progress at home.  

Your Academic Week 

• Spend 30-35 hours per week participating in coursework aligned with your home school's curriculum. 
• Take in-person classes with local instructors and fellow students at the CIEE Center. 
• Complete online coursework through ASU Prep Global, utilizing the CIEE center's quiet, focused atmosphere to work independently. CIEE staff are available to help you use your time effectively and connect with ASU support resources. 

Cultural Immersion 

• Explore Australian culture through immersive experiences and meaningful co-curricular activities. 
• Enjoy meals with your welcoming host family, learning the day-to-day rhythm of life in Sydney. 
• Visit Taronga Zoo and get up close with Australia’s famous wildlife, koalas, kangaroos, and more. 

Excursions and Experiences 

• Foster friendships that last a lifetime with fellow CIEE students and make connections within your new community. 
• Hike the Blue Mountains and explore dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and panoramic lookouts. 
• Walk across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge for epic skyline and harbor views. 

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and 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.

Join other high school students from across the country to take courses in a wide range of subjects while enjoying the benefits of studying abroad. Led by local CIEE instructors, your in-person coursework is pre-selected and tailored to your location, including:  

Intercultural Communication and Leadership: Spend your first three weeks living and learning with fellow students at the Global Gateway Academy in London. Learn to navigate cultural differences with curiosity and respect, developing the intercultural skills and building the confidence to communicate and lead in a variety of settings as you begin your semester abroad. This course is 75 contact hours for .5 credit hours. 

Mixed Media Arts: Explore a range of media, such as drawing, painting, and photography, to discover the unique culture and landscape of Australia. Visits to local galleries and studios supplement your classroom instruction, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of your host country and the impact of art on its culture. This course is 75 contact hours for .5 credit hours. 

Environmental Science: Study key fundamental topics like ecosystems, energy flow, and biodiversity through a balance of in-class instruction and hands-on experiences. Alongside your classmates, you’ll analyze local environmental challenges and evaluate strategies for sustainability and conservation. This course is 75 contact hours for .5 credit hours.

Regional Literature and Creative Writing: Fine-tune your writing skills and examine how Oceanic writers used stories and poetry to explore themes of identity, belonging, and change. Engage deeply with your surroundings by visiting neighborhoods, museums, and public spaces to understand how the environment influences voice and story. This course is 75 contact hours for .5 credit hours. 

Please 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. 

In addition to your in-person classes, you will also complete three online high school courses through our partner, ASU Prep Global. Customize your schedule by taking electives that align with your home school’s requirements, explore your interests, or even pursue college credit through dual coursework. From Music Appreciation to Marine Science, Game Development to U.S. Government and Civics, you’ll find classes that match your interests and academic goals. Sample transcripts are available upon request—email hsabroad@ciee.org for more information. 

Visit Your Academic Options to learn more about your credits and coursework. 

Please 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.