IES Abroad - Study Abroad in Australia

I loved my time abroad! I had the opportunity to experience a different country, travel, and meet new people. During my time abroad, I was able to make new friends and explore multiple cities. When I arrived in Sydney, IES Abroad was very helpful. They made sure I understood what to expect during my stay, and they checked in with me often to see how everything was going. IES Abroad organized activities and trips throughout the semester. These trips were so much fun! We took a walking tour of Sydney and went hiking in the Blue Mountain and Royal National Park. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to travel to Australia. Overall, it was an amazing and unforgettable experience!

Studying abroad in Sydney was more than I could have ever asked for. I get chills the second I begin to speak about it my experience and the city. Immersing yourself in the culture and living completely on your own makes you grow as a person. IES Abroad played a huge part in this. They took care of every aspect of living, health issues, etc. They support you in every way possible and my experience wouldn't have been as amazing without IES Abroad who made me feel safe every second.

I wouldn't have wanted to study abroad with a different program! IES Abroad was there for me before, during, and after my abroad experience. The IES staff truly cares about their students and helping them to succeed during their abroad programs. Before leaving for Sydney, an IES staff member called me to make sure I had all aspects in order before leaving. For example, this staff member made sure I had the right amount of my medications to take with me, as well as offer health resources while I was in Sydney. While in Sydney the on site IES staff member always went above and beyond to help the students in my program. No matter what we needed, she was always there for us. IES also a few activities planned for us during the program so that we could meet all the other students. One of the events was a surfing lesson which was awesome, and something I definitely wouldn't of done otherwise! IES also made the transition to a different type of university seem very easy and seamless.

Studying abroad in Sydney, Australia was hands down the greatest 5 months of my life. I went to Sydney not knowing a single person in all of Australia and left with countless lifelong friends. The IES Abroad Program played a massive role in my fantastic experience in Australia. From the moment I arrived until my final day in Australia, the IES staff were there for me for whatever I needed. Not only did they offer great advice on activities to do in and around the city and organize group trips to fun places, but they also went out of their way to make me feel happy and comfortable. It was obvious that they cared deeply about the students in the program and that was probably the reason that so many of us became very close to the staff. IES Abroad made the transition to school in a foreign country so easy that it immediately felt like home. I think about my experience in Sydney everyday and highly recommend it to anybody even slightly interested.

I had an unreal time studying at The University of New South Wales. Not only was the campus in the perfect location, but I was also able to get to know my way around the entire city. I loved getting to know new people and being able to live in a culture different from the one I am used to. IES provided me with extra opportunities to to cool activities throughout the city. I loved my experience and think about it every day.

Wow. I never thought I would find myself living and studying in Sydney, Australia for five months. I am so blessed that I had this opportunity and am so thankful and grateful to the IES Abroad Sydney staff, Matt and Michelle, for welcoming me and making me feel at home. The events and trips they hosted made my transition into a new and exciting land so much better and it was fun experiencing new places with a group of keen students. My eyes were opened to the beauty of venturing outside of my comfort zone and being open to new worlds, cultures, and activities. Australia now feels like a second home and I can't wait to visit hopefully soon! IES Abroad Sydney was one of the best decision I've ever made and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in having an experience of a lifetime.

I cannot say how happy I am to have gone abroad with IES to Sydney. My school doesn't have a program in Australia, my dream destination, so I was very much on my own to find a program that would work for me and that would give me the support and experience I was looking for. I found that in IES! We had a really helpful and fun orientation in Sydney at the beginning of the semester, a great one week trip planned to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, and many other smaller day trips provided for us. I don't think I would've done nearly as much without these plans. Sydney is an absolutely beautiful, incredible city and is a great place to study. I didn't find the academics nearly as challenging as my home institution, and one thing that was missing for me was a real immersion into Australian social life. Most of my friends were all Americans from my program, but this was also a great support to have and helped a lot when I was homesick! I learned so much from the time spent with my friends and alone. It was an amazing time! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to live in a gorgeous city with plenty to do and who loves the ocean, nature and adventure.

Studying abroad in Sydney during Summer 2015 was everything I dreamed it would be and more. From the moment I submitted my application, IES staff was by my side. They ensured I always knew what was going on and everyone I interacted with was friendly and helpful. Upon arrival, we were all greeted by the Program Director and were made to feel very comfortable. IES made the transition to living in a new country so simple and from Day 1 we were all able to make the most out of our time there. The classes were interesting and well-taught - the professors were personable, the workload quite manageable, and the program even provided for us to take fields trips. Living in the city of Sydney allowed us to immerse ourselves in everything occurring around us, and I would not trade my experience for anything. I made wonderful, life-long friends and we experienced as much as we could of the city. Throughout the program, the program staff went out of their way to make us happy and comfortable, and we became quite close with them as well. Going abroad was the best decision I have ever made for myself and as crazy as it sounds, I feel homesick for Sydney every day! If you're considering going abroad, you cannot go wrong with IES. No matter where you would like to go, they will be there every step of the way.

Spending my summer in Sydney, Australia studying abroad was the best decision I have ever made. As cheesy as it sounds, I cannot explain in writing how much this trip, this summer meant to me. It was one of those experiences that I will never forget for so many reasons. The friends you make abroad are unlike any other friendships you will have. You are able to bond over the most incredible experience because only they understand the journey you are on. IES gave me the summer of a lifetime and I could not be more grateful for taking the opportunity I thought would never arise. I took two classes while in Sydney, but also had time to travel on the weekends as they created a schedule for us that allowed us to explore. The teachers were great, and I am so grateful for all I learned in my classes there. Our housing was in such a great location. Only a two minute walk to the bus and a two mile run to the beach which I took advantage of quite often. This program gave us a chance to fall in love with such a magnificent city while also giving us the freedom to explore other cities as well. The program was set up so well as the program directors worked hard to create a smooth transition for us. We took a trip to the Blue Mountains, sailed the harbour by night while enjoying a welcome dinner, travelled to the Outback where we slept under the stars and hiked in the red dirt, explored Melbourne and toured the Great Ocean Road, and flew to Cairns to witness the beauty that is the Great Barrier Reef. Not only did I learn more about Australian history and business leadership from my classes, but I learned how to plan and travel on my own as well as embrace people from a different culture and learn about who they are and why they are the way they are. I fell in love with Australia and the people there and I can only hope that one day I will return. Sydney was definitely my favorite city and one I hope to call home someday, even if it's just for a few years. I usually do not like living in cities, but Sydney made me feel at home. There was the busy city life filled with busses, trains, and ferries, but then there were parks to escape to, the harbour which you never tired of, and the dozens of beaches that never ceased to amaze you with their spectacular views. Studying abroad in Sydney, Australia through IES provided me with the best summer I could have hoped for!

What an incredible five months! Australia and IES definitely exceeded my expectations. I don't think we could've had two program directors more helpful and friendly than Matt and Kristen. I am so glad I chose IES as my provider program when studying abroad. Not only did IES provide us support throughout the entire semester - whether it be figuring out the bus system or setting up a bank account or even the small things like finding the best hangout spots - but they also took us on various trips (most of them at no extra cost) throughout the semester to places that may have not been as accessible on our own, such the blue mountains. It was very comforting to know I had people to go to in the case of any issues or concerns. I definitely recommend IES for anyone looking to study abroad.

"Oh my gosh! You're in the future!" That was the best comment I heard from friends and family back home. While studying in Australia, most of the time you are a day ahead of everyone in the States. This doesn't seem like a big deal to you, but everyone else can't seem to get over it. Other things that will be second nature after a semester in Sydney-- shortening all your words, the rules of rugby (and the difference between League and Union), and the deliciousness of meat pies and gelato. But before you have the chance to learn all this, you must first get accepted to a uni, apply for a visa, arrive, and then adjust. I had no fear though because IES Abroad Sydney was with me the whole way! From the beginning they sent step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a visa, select my classes, choose a housing option, and so much more. If I did happen to have a question there were previous participants I could contact and also an advisor. Everyone was quick to answer their emails. Once I arrived, the program had a transition orientation and then monthly outings planned. The program directors were very personable and always around to help. Sydney is a wonderful city and I couldn't imagine a better way to get to know it than through IES Abroad Sydney. And I can't wait to go back!