Pre-Law Study Abroad Programs in Australia

My time in Sydney with IES Abroad was a memory I'll keep for the rest of my life. Although it had its hard moments (don't underestimate how much homesickness or a hard class can hit you), there were so many amazing experiences I got to have, like seeing quokkas in person or building a group of friends from all over the world. It was a great opportunity to expand my horizons and learn who I am as a person halfway across the world from the same people and places I've always known.

Studying abroad in Sydney with IES Abroad was the best decision I made throughout my time in university. The IES staff was friendly and helpful—it was clear from day 1 that they really care about their students. The activities they organized for us were both fun and unique, and it allowed us to get to know each other well from the start. If you have a concern, they will always do their very best to help you address it, even if it’s technically not in their job description. I always felt comfortable and well taken care of—I knew I had a support system if I ever needed help, which is extremely important when moving to a new place. IES also works with a kind and highly competent psychologist that can help with the transition and any difficult emotions that may arise when moving abroad (and the fee is covered by our insurance). Attending University of Sydney was also a great experience for me. It’s a big school and they have so many different events and communities, which makes it easier to make friends. They have hundreds of clubs, ranging from academic and professional to niche interests. The classes are mostly high quality, and the professors are helpful and good at what they do. I was also able to take a service-learning class while at USYD, with which I went on a 12 day field trip to Northern Queensland to work with an Aboriginal Corporation. This allowed me to learn more about Australia’s complicated history, and to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real life scenarios—as well as make friends for life! Furthermore, I took an internship class at USYD, in which I completed a semester-long internship placement with a company of my choosing. USYD provides many opportunities for students to excel both academically and professionally. Sydney itself is also a great city! There is always something to do, but you can easily escape the big city feel by retreating to more quieter neighborhoods or the surrounding natural environments (beaches, parks, mountains).

My study abroad experience in Sydney, Australia with IES Abroad was nothing short of transformative. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed into a vibrant, multicultural city that offered endless opportunities for both academic growth and personal exploration. One of the standout aspects of my experience was the incredible support from IES Abroad. The on-site staff were always available to help, whether it was navigating the academic system, offering travel tips, or organizing cultural events. The IES-organized excursions, like trips to the Blue Mountains and surf lessons at Bondi Beach, were not only fun but also helped me bond with fellow students and immerse myself in Australian culture. Academically, studying in Sydney was an enriching experience. My courses were engaging and complemented by hands-on learning opportunities, such as field trips and guest speakers. I was able to deepen my understanding of global issues while exploring Australia’s unique ecosystem, history, and culture. Outside the classroom, I made unforgettable memories exploring Sydney. Whether it was watching a sunrise at the Sydney Opera House, hiking coastal trails, or discovering hidden cafes, the city had so much to offer. I made lifelong friends along the way by saying yes to new experiences, inviting classmates to explore the city together, and stepping outside my comfort zone. One of the highlights of my trip was a spontaneous weekend getaway that introduced me to my closest friends, reminding me that sometimes the best connections happen unexpectedly. Overall, IES Abroad made it easy to navigate the challenges of living in a new country, and Sydney became a second home. I cannot recommend this program enough for students looking for a balance between academics, adventure, and cultural immersion. My time in Sydney has given me lifelong memories, friendships, and a new perspective on the world.

I studied abroad in Spring 2020 and so my experience was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic but I wouldn't change it for the world. I was able to take classes and intern abroad and I still had the time to explore Sydney. I loved being directly enrolled in the University of Sydney because I felt like any other student on campus. My classes were with students from all around the world and the campus was beautiful, some relate it to Hogwarts! I was able to take interesting classes that got me more involved with Australia and learn more about their culture. One of the classes that I took as an elective had field trips to sports games! I also got to gain real-world experience at my internship on campus at the Sydney University of Fitness. Although I did not think that my classes would turn online in a few weeks, I am so grateful for my experience in Sydney. I miss the sunny weather, the city life and 'my mates!'

I was inspired to study abroad because of my love for the country of Australia! I have always loved the idea of moving away and experiencing a new culture and lifestyle! In high school, I was lucky enough to have the experience of being an exchange student there and had been dying to return since then. When it came time to begin the process, I looked for programs that offered experiences to Sydney and felt that IES University of Sydney offered the best experience for me! My favorite part of Sydney was truly how big it was. There was so much to explore and learn about Sydney and the public transportation system in the city easily allowed my friends and I to experience all of it! I also was so lucky to have so many students from my home university in this program with me! While it was sad to be sent home so early due to COVID 19, I am so grateful to be able to see so many of those people frequently back here and further our experience!

The whole idea of studying abroad was one that I had held for a long time, yet I never thought that I would walk away as the individual that I am after spending a semester in Sydney, AU. The sheer joy of being surrounded by new friends constantly built bonds that will last me a lifetime. Additionally, the bliss of having the accessibility to one of the most coffee, food, and drink centric cities in the world elevated my taste for authentic experiences within the cultural melting pot that is Sydney. I am truly grateful for the spirit of adventure that led me to embrace the call of Aussie living because it gave me my greatest semester of college, alongside branching me out of a place of comfort that I never knew existed. Studying abroad is much more than simply living in another part of the world for a short time, but it is about embracing the newness that surrounds you and allowing yourself to embark on a journey that is bound for greatness. Praises upon praises for this program and for the Land Down Under!

I cannot say enough good things about my experience studying abroad in Sydney, Australia last semester. From the amazing people I met to the incredible places I explored and unbelievable experiences I had, my time down under was everything I hoped it would be and so much more, and my decision to study abroad was one of the best I have ever made. Before embarking last July, I had never even stepped foot in the southern hemisphere, so Australia was a giant leap beyond any adventure I had ever lived before. I knew little about the culture, the geography, or really anything about the country for that matter beyond what I had heard about kangaroos, koalas, and surfing paradises. So when I hopped off the plane in Sydney, I was ready for anything. Meeting my program mates at the airport, driving through the center of Sydney on the way to University of Sydney's campus, and an amazing harbor cruise later, within just a few short hours I felt like I had already gotten to know Sydney, and it already felt like home. The first few weeks were spent exploring everything Sydney has to offer, and it didn't disappoint. From lazy beach days at Bondi and Manly to thrift shopping in Chinatown and experiencing Sydney's incredible nightlife, it didn't take long for me to fall in love with a city I had only dreamt of a month earlier. IES organized hikes for us in the Blue Mountains and Royal National Park, allowing us to get a glimpse of the stunning scenery and landscapes set just miles outside of the contrasting concrete jungle of Sydney's downtown. Once we had settled in to our new home and gotten in to a rhythm with our classes, it was time to venture beyond and explore what the rest of Australia had to offer! Our first big weekend trip of the semester was to Hamilton Island in the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, a true tropical paradise that makes for a relaxing weekend of pristine beaches and unwinding. Not to mention we got to hold a Koala, something you can't do in most parts of Australia! This first trip started a run of weekends on the go, from the amazing landscapes and hiking in Tasmania to learning (somewhat) how to surf in Woolongong and ending up in Fiji for mid-semester break. Fiji was the kind of place I had always heard about and I thought it would be super cool to go there, but the thought never even crossed my mind that I would actually go there. So to be jumping off the rooftop of Cloud 9 into the crystal clear Pacific Ocean only 2 months after arriving down under was one of the most surreal experiences I have been lucky enough to ever have. After returning back from Fiji, it was really nice to be able to have a few weeks back in Sydney. I found that no matter where we traveled, I always looked forward to being back in Sydney and being able to make the most of my time there. Walking around Circular Quay, taking the ferry to Watson's Bay, stopping through the Botanical gardens: there really is anything available to you that you could want. Next up was a trip to Melbourne for the weekend, an equally unreal city, and a viewing of the Melbourne soccer derby between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory. We unknowingly purchased tickets for the Melbourne City away section, but ended up making the right decision as City came out with a hard fought victory (no pun intended). With the weeks flying by, and our trip to Melbourne complete, before we knew it classes were over and Study Vacation rolled around, which we used, instead of gearing up with finals, to road trip around New Zealand's South Island for the week. And believe me when I tell you there is no more beautiful place in the world than New Zealand. We had planned out the destinations we wanted to hit, but just the driving there was in some ways more amazing. Rolling hills set against towering mountains in the distance turned into serene glacial lakes and dense forests. Hiking to the top of tall peaks in Wanaka and checking out the nightlife in Queenstown, we saw as much as we could in our short time there, and before long it was back to Sydney for exams. Studying hard for the next few days, I didn't really have time to reflect much on my semester, but once I walked out of my last exam, it hit me that my time abroad was coming to an end. I had seen so much, yet it felt like it had gone by in the blink of an eye. In my last few days, as I started saying goodbye to the people I had grown so close to over the past few months, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of sadness that I would have to leave my favorite place. But as I prepared to depart back to the US, I left a piece of myself on campus, in the sands of Bondi, and everywhere that I was lucky enough to call home for those few months. As sad as I was to leave, and as much as I miss Australia every single day, I know someday I'll be back, and I am so thankful I had the opportunity to Study Abroad. I would encourage absolutely anyone to make the same choice I did, as there really is no other experience like it. It was the adventure of my lifetime, and it could be for you, too.

Deakin University has quickly become a second home to me during my time here. The 8,000-mile journey made me nervous but was quickly calmed after arriving on campus for the first time. The people I have met at this school have become study buddies, travel buddies, and ultimately, lifelong friends. The classes have challenged me as a student but have been some of the best that I have taken in my overall college courses. They have opened up topics in different perspectives and have created many new skills that I get to take home with me. Having the chance to explore Australia has been a dream and weekends and the inter-trimester breaks were the perfect times to explore the surrounding areas. Melbourne itself has lots to offer and I couldn’t have picked a better place to live for my study abroad experience. It is truly something exciting seeing a kangaroo for the very first time.

I have made so many new friends for life while still being able to travel and take units that fit my course perfectly. Deakin has helped make the transition into this university seamless. The faculty is always ready to help in whatever way they can, and the students are extremely friendly and welcoming. This study abroad experience has made me much more independent and responsible. Studying abroad has also really helped me get out of my comfort zone and try new things, which has been good for me and really helped me grow. Living in Melbourne and traveling around Australia has really helped expand my world view by experiencing a culture that is incredibly different and unique from my home. It has made me appreciate things about my home but also ignited my curiosity and made me want to explore as much as possible. This trimester at Deakin has also made me want to continue learning whenever I can throughout my life and my future travels. This trimester has been one of the best times of my life and I am so glad that I came to Deakin.

Studying abroad in Australia has been the most extraordinary and life-changing event in my life thus far. While it may at first sound daunting, the opportunity to study in a different country is an amazing one. The education I have received thus far at Deakin University has not only been classroom-based, but has provided me with valuable real-world knowledge as well. Living in a different country halfway across the world has been an amazing way to immerse myself and learn about a different culture firsthand. I know that travelling and going to university here in Australia will continue to benefit me and provide me with invaluable experiences in the future.

It has been amazing from start to finish. Starting with the picturesque trip that was orientation and at the end having met amazing people from all over the world. This experience made me explore outside of my comfort zone and explore a different culture, country and way of life. The classroom experiences at Deakin were interactive and friendly. If I ever needed assistance, assistance was readily available from fellow students and staff. It’s a cooperative community. Being in Human Resources Management, this experience made me see various aspects of the field I am studying. It taught me many different strategic approaches as well as the differences in legal systems. Overall, Deakin takes in international students with open arms. They gave us guidance and helped us build bonds that cannot be forgotten and friendships that are forever lasting.

It was quite an adventure and I learned so much! It was great to be in class with students from other countries, my eyes were opened to how people do things differently. It was also great getting to live with students from other countries. I never felt scared because we were all in the same boat and could help each other out. Every experience was amazing! I learned about so many cultures and different ways of life! I would recommend Deakin to anyone! Everyone was so friendly and I loved every second! I will remember this experience for the rest of my life!

My favourite part of my Deakin experience was the welcome week held in Lorne. We mountain biked on the beach and learned how to surf! During this time, we met so many other international students, and everyone seemed to bond really well. The Burwood Campus is also the perfect size for transitioning to a different country. It is small enough where you don’t become overwhelmed or lost, and there were always friendly staff to answer questions. The cafés located around campus have great vibes, great coffee, and good food. My favourite café was Caffeine, to grab a cup of coffee then sit at their computers to do homework in their vibrant atmosphere.

During my time at Deakin, I have grown more as a person than I ever expected, and have a new appreciation for all different cultures and countries.

I got to participate in unforgettable events. I have met so many cool people, and the friendships I have made along the way and the memories we all share are something I will cherish the rest of my life.

Studying at Deakin University was one of my best academic experiences. All the units I took were really interesting and the teachers were so committed to their teaching.

What I liked about Deakin is that I had classes two days a week, so I had time to go exploring. I also got to meet a lot of people on campus, as well as a lot of international students. I made a really good group of friends to travel with and explore the whole country.

I’ve seen the country’s many great places: from the Great Barrier Reef to the Great Ocean Road, and everything in between. Truly, there is no place quite like it. And studying at Deakin gave me the chance to grow as a person and broaden my knowledge. I’ve learnt to adapt to new situations and have gained a new perspective of the world.

I’ve had the dream of studying abroad from when I was a child, and I achieved it when I came to Australia. Being here has been an amazing experience and it has opened my mind. The environment at Deakin is the best I’ve ever experienced! Deakin provides well-motivated classes, a high-quality education, an efficient teaching system, and pleasant study places. Professors and staff at Deakin are also very nice. They are always helpful and welcoming towards international students. Here in Melbourne, it is such a beautiful place to live and travel! You can enjoy each day in a different place. I have been to many places in Victoria, such as Phillip Island, the Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula, and many places in Melbourne. Victoria is such a beautiful place which has an amazing central city, historical architecture, nature, beautiful beaches, and beautiful outback....everything!

I loved living in Australia because of the many friendly people I met and a lot of nice places I visited while studying abroad at Deakin. Living on campus was one of the best decisions I made. The apartments are modern and the staff are helpful. Another recommendation is the free Mentor Program where you get a mentor who helps you with all your questions and issues. The end-of-program party with all the other mentees and mentors was amazing!