Science Study Abroad Programs in Australia

Grew up on food stamps, never thought I'd actually leave the U.S. and see someone else's world. It was amazing! Loved my classes and internship, especially Race, Diversity and Difference, hearing first hand accounts from those that have experienced racism, colorism, systemic issues was interesting, I've only learned of those problems from someone that can't experience it and they speak on it from a historical pov. Housing was fine, it was my first time living with people that wasn't family. The biggest issue is the fact that washing and drying costs $5 dollars each! I started hand washing as I'd rather that money go towards food. Expensive country but I wouldn't trade it for the world. But the apartment is buggin out for making us pay to wash our clothes, rent per week is crazy high. The program itself, was amazing, the activities were fun and any staff I interacted with were extremely helpful. Especially Andrea, any questions would be answered, she'd even ask questions to see how we were doing, I went to Byron Bay because of her. I think of Byron Bay everyday. I preferred to be alone, but I do wish I had asked to hang out with people from classes, not upset about not doing it but wishing I had. Hang out with people, get on the train and explore a new area, walk the beaches until the sun sets. Make memories, try new foods, be open to new things. Going abroad was a trial to see if I wanted to do more, might go to Italy Japan in the future. I do know that I want to do my masters, but now I'm unsure of where to go, Sweden or back to Sydney? I'll figure it when the time comes. Thank you AIFSAbroad.

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.

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.

IFSA provided me the grounds in order to learn how to live independently in Wollongong, Australia. With caring and committed advisors, I felt as though I had a home away from home while being abroad on the other side of the world. This was such a rewarding experience and one I wouldn't trade for the world- I learned so many things about the world, myself, met new friends, took different courses, travelled on my own to different parts of Australia and none of that would be possible without the guidance of IFSA.

I loved my time in Sydney Australia. The city was awesome and full of things to do. The atmosphere was safe and friendly. I made a lot of great friends from all over the world that I still keep in contact with. The academics are challenging but also very rewarding. I would highly recommend to anyone.

Before I arrived in Australia, we had pre-departure meetings that explained everything to us in detail & got us (in my opinion) pretty prepared for what to expect. We were greeted pretty much upon arrival in Sydney and now that my exchange has ended I truly could not have had a better time. I met the most amazing people and friends, my AIFS advisor Andrea was the best ever (we called her our Aussie mum), we always felt taken care of. AIFS had field trips planned also so we could see some iconic tourist spots and we went together with our program which made it more fun too. Our living was nice in a safe building with lots of security and super close to campus but also near the light rail which made public transport so easy. I could not have had a better experience and I’d do it again 100x over if I could

Before coming to Sydney, AIFS had meetings with us so we’d know just what to expect which definitely made us all feel better. Once we got here we met eachother & our advisor and from then on it was nothing short of the best experience. The trips we all took together & friendships we’ve made I couldn’t have asked for more

Came in knowing little about starting a business. In a single week, I was pitching my business idea to real investors. Best learning experience I have ever undertaken, couldn't recommend something more than this. I also have permanent access to their thriving community of entrepreneurs. A super positive group of people, wouldn't want to miss an opportunity like this

I Love your camaraderie, connections, and insights given by the HEX tutors and alumni. I was not sure at first, But the HEX program gave me the confidence to put myself out there, experience each of a start-up, from ideation to conceptualization, rapid prototyping, user-testing, passing by market research, interviews, surveys. This roadmap for start-up building helped me visualize the journey ahead for me. HEC connected me with founders and experts in their field, we discussed their shortfalls, successes, and sacrifices. I could not recommend the HEX Program enough.

I guess from a personal and emotional perspective, HEX has taught me the value of resilience and powering through something even though it’s hard. Because by the time you come out at the other end, you may just be rewarded with something unexpected (like winning a pitch!). From a skills perspective, I didn’t really consider myself as an entrepreneur, but this program has allowed me to see things from an entrepreneur’s perspective and what it takes to put up a business from ideation to pitching.

The 5 day sprint program is an intense, collaborative, and an unmatched experience. It gives you an opportunity to not only build on your start-up idea but also to connect with industry experts that can provide the much needed validation and advice. This program introduces you to several techniques to refine and validate your idea. HEX's staff is very supportive and makes sure that every minute you spend is worthwhile. To sum up, this program is a great way to network and grow personally.

HEX was a powerful experience. It's a unique program structure, building an idea from scratch and pitching it with the help of inspiring mentors. Not to mention the exciting social and networking events where I made new friends and connected with amazing minds from all over the world. This is where an aspiring entrepreneur's journey begins.

I wanted to thank you again for the incredible opportunity this year., It was a transformative experience for me and I am very grateful to have worked with you on it. Thanks for uplifting me with confidence and opportunity!

Out of the entrepreneurial extracurriculars I’ve taken, HEX was the first arena that enabled me to explore my own idea. Often, I’d do team based work or work on someone’s case idea. I’ve realised that I don’t need to get into the legal/diplomat professionals to make an impact in the social impact space

It was a pleasant experience to work and study with incredible people. All the guests are amazing which let me learnt many things that I might not have chance to learn in the uni. Mentors are extremely helpful and friendly. Love to work with Hex!!!

Going to Brisbane, Australia and studying at the University of Queensland was one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life! I went abroad my junior year of college in the fall. I had to go earlier than most abroad programs (left in early July), so I was already so nervous. IFSA's staff was incredible. As soon as I got off the plane, my IFSA advisor helped me get a SIM card to contact my parents and tell them we landed. IFSA staff does a great job of being attentive and responding immediately to anything which may concern you. Whether it was directions to a bus stop or picking a place to go for the weekend, IFSA acted as a family would. They were my rock. They gave me advice. I was able to contact them about big and small issues. Also, IFSA planned several group trips, such as one to Morton Island, which was incredible! All you had to do was show up and be ready for an amazing weekend! Also, the University of Queensland's campus was breathtaking. It was the perfect place to get out after class and stroll on campus to a coffee spot or visit the library. I felt very comfortable navigating through campus. I love the sun shine and being outdoors, so studying on this campus involved days of reading outside on my favorite park bench. Brisbane stole my heart. The people, the memories, the friends. Everything I made there is irreplaceable. Going halfway around the world was worth every second. I visited beaches, met new people, and traveled around Australia while being a student as well. I got to surf and see kangaroos. I got to experience independence while never feeling alone. I highly suggest looking into IFSA's University of Queensland Study Abroad Program! I was worried about my studies while abroad, but travel and school was manageable. Also, the sunshine made me excited for each and every day!

I applied to this program at the last minute after making an impulsive decision to study abroad in Australia with my friend. I'm so thankful I went with my gut and chose to study abroad in Sydney through IFSA. Everyone I was in contact with there through the whole application process and arriving in Sydney was extremely helpful and cared about giving the students an amazing experience. While in Sydney, I always felt like there was support from IFSA staff available at any time, yet they allowed you to experience your study abroad in your own unique way. I can't emphasize enough how much I loved Sydney and how happy I was there- I'd move back in a heartbeat. I'm so grateful IFSA was able to facilitate such an incredible study abroad experience for me!

Three of the biggest aspects I wanted to achieve on my study abroad experience were: a stress-free time, immersion, and credits that would transfer to my home university. Studying aborad at UNSW, through IFSA-Butler, could not have been more perfect for all of these goals and more. Australia's laid back nature was perfect, and being right next to so much nature (beaches, mountains, etc.) made it almost impossible to be stressed. UNSW also has so many classes available that you are almost guaranteed to find courses to transfer back for credit. The only aspect of my goal that you might have to work towards is immersion. UNSW is a big international school so it is easy to not branch out and meet locals, but Sydney is so big and there are so many opportunists if you work for it!

I really liked attending JCU in Townsville because I got the chance to further my studies of marine biology, which is my major at my home university. Not only was it the only school that offered the exact same Invertebrate Biology class that my home university required, but they also had a ton of other options to choose from. I love animal physiology, so I also enrolled in Aquatic Animal Ecophysiology, which was so interesting. I also loved being able to go out and explore Australia (i.e. Magnetic Island, Paluma Rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, etc.) and make connections with the material I was learning in class.

If I was asked to list my feelings before studying abroad to Sydney, Australia with IFSA, nervous, anxious, and scared would never had appeared. I was excited and prepared to embark on my journey abroad! IFSA had really prepared me before departure with their numerous newsletters that helped me get a feel for what the culture was like and how to navigate daily living like public transportation and healthcare. Even though I was 9,195 miles/14,800 km from home, I felt like I had a family--more importantly, a support system--the entire time. Whenever I had money problems, the IFSA directors were so caring and understanding of my situation and they helped me get back on my feet. They cared about inclusion and diversity which, for an low-income Asian woman, meant the world to me. Because they didn't want anyone to miss out on the amazing experiences and adventures Australia had to offer, they helped me find affordable ways to experience everything whether music, food, culture, and nature. From free concerts to taking full advantage of club events, they gave tips and tricks that made my experience unforgettable. Country Life Weekend was an unforgettable weekend in Bathurst where we could hold baby lambs and get a break from the big city. They also gave free us tickets to see a play and the Australian Ballet in the Sydney Opera House, who can beat that! Armed with the support of IFSA and a great group of friends, those feelings of nervousness that many students have after leaving home to live in another country for a semester easily dissipated. Of course I got homesick at times but at the end of the day, I was going to go home so I thought, might as well make the most of my time now! I would highly recommend this program to anyone--and have been doing so as an IFSA Ambassador--because they studying abroad so enjoyable and exciting!