Design Study Abroad Programs in Sydney, 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.

Studying abroad in Sydney with CIEE was such an amazing experience. The staff were incredibly friendly, approachable, and always willing to help, especially when I was feeling a bit alone or just wanted something fun to do. The program itself is fantastic; there’s so much to do and explore in Sydney, and being at UNSW made it easy to take advantage of everything. Overall, it’s such an energizing and supportive environment, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to study abroad in Sydney!

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).

I have loved this experience! Being abroad with a supportive helpful group was such a game changer, I was so nervous traveling abroad alone for the first time and the CIEE staff and other participants have helped it be a super smooth transition and trip:)

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

I had a lovely time here, although it was not without flaws. The amenities were not great especially considering how much we paid to be here. The company guilt tripped and body shamed us. But I made innumerable new friends and had experiences that I will cherish forever.

Very nice experience, learned a lot. People I’ve met here are now friends I will still be in contact with. The internship was where I learned new skills and networked with people within the fashion industry and got inspired by being here abroad

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.

Studying abroad in Sydney, Australia was the best experience of my life so far. I went to Sydney to experience and learn from the people around me and I came out with lifelong friendships and a deeper understanding of the world. I’d never traveled before and I never thought in a million years I would be able to study abroad. IES Abroad was a great bridge for me. Allowing for friendly faces from the first day you touch down, to an office staff who answered any and all questions during, prior, and even after my study abroad period. Once I arrived in Sydney, IES Abroad planned events throughout the semester; from break excursions to meals and surf camp. The staff there value you as people and take the time to get to know you and take care of any issues that may arise; whether it was issued with housing or navigating timetables (schedules) and finding tutors. I attended the University of Sydney and lived in an apartment complex located less than a fifteen-minute walk from campus and conveniently located in the heart of Newtown next to great restaurants, movie theater, and plenty of stores. The apartment complex also offers a host of events throughout the year, which is a great way to get to know and make friends with people who are either also exchange students or locals. For me, the best part of the University of Sydney was the ability to take classes at the Conservatorium of Music. It’s located about forty minutes away by public transportation, however, the professors are amazing and it’s a unique opportunity to learn with very talented and passionate musicians. I would highly recommend anyone who is even thinking about studying abroad to look into IES Abroad and its ability to create an amazing experience.

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.

Everyone needs to go abroad. It is awesome experiencing so many cultures. Professors while abroad are very helpful and care about their students. I really enjoyed getting to know my professors and learning not only class content but also from their real life experiences. Traveling on the weekends was obviously my favorite part of this experience. I was able to visit a bunch of different countries. Wish I could stay longer.

By getting outside of my comfort zone as much as possible, I was able to experience parts of the world while figuring out new things about myself! Staying in a home stay is completely worth it because you get to practice your Spanish and meet incredibly interesting locals!

Living in Spain was such a great experience! From the food to culture and things to do, Spain has it all. I´m definitely going to miss my time here and all the great people I met. Studying abroad helped me grow so much as a person, and I won´t ever forget this experience.