Engineering 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!

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:)

Great staff who have stayed connected even a year after returning home. They partnered me with a great internship where I learned so much and made so many friends. The CEA CAPA program students are all so excited to be there and explore, it is a great community to be a part of. I wish I could go back!!!

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 studied abroad in Sydney during the summer of 2019 during a 6-week program offered by my university in conjunction with CAPA. Opting for the class + internship option, I was able to study and work while exploring the city for the duration of my stay. As someone who comes from a travel oriented family, the option to study abroad was a question of where as opposed to when! I had always wanted to go to Australia and all the details with the program just so happened to work with my chaotic schedule: the time spent in country, the curriculum, the option to work abroad, the opportunities coordinated by CAPA--everything worked with what I expected and wanted. I can genuinely say that I felt comfortable while so far away from home, with the staff providing me with all the information, materials, and support I needed to succeed. I experienced so many once in a lifetime opportunities while in Sydney (Attending Vivid! Viewing movies at the Sydney Film Festival! Seeing a show at the Opera House!) that I will remember forever. I had the time of my life and would do everything all over again in a heartbeat.

I had the opportunity to study abroad in Sydney during the Fall 2019 semester through CAPA. It is easy to say that it was one of the best decisions I have ever made! This was my first time ever leaving the US so it was definitely a huge life changing experience but one that was amazing. The staff both here in the US and Sydney were super helpful with our academics, internships, and were always there to help guide us along the way. The transition from entering Sydney was really easy for all of the students. This was such an amazing experience! I highly recommend for people to study abroad through CAPA Sydney!

In January of 2020, I traveled 10,000 miles away from home and started my monumetous adventure abroad in Sydney, Australia. There I attended classes with my fellow CAPA students learning about Australian history; sports in Australian society; and gender, culture, and society in Australia. I also participated in an internship with Nutrition Australia, where I learned a great deal about the daily operations of a non-government, non-profit community health organization while also advancing my professional skills to complete tasks related to nutrition, dietetics, health promotion and public health. I am extremely thankful to Nutrition Australia and everything my mentors and coworkers taught me! The CAPA Sydney program organizes housing for all students, you can choose between living with a host family or staying in student apartments. I chose to live with other CAPA students in the Oaks Apartments right next to Darling Harbour. I was lcukey to be placed with three amazing roommates, to whom I still speak with now that study abroad is over! All students are placed in the same apartment building which gave me the opportunity to meet others in the CAPA program outside of school. Due to the global pandemic, I was not able to experience the full study abroad program and had to return back to the states a month and a half early. The CAPA program did an amazing job supporting us and helping to navigate us through this unpredictable time My overall experience was a 11/10! I would totally recommend the CAPA Sydney: Study & Intern Program to any prospective students! I was extremely fortunate to meet so many exquisite

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!

I studied abroad in Sydney, Australia at one of CAPA many wonderful locations. I was not only a CAPA student but did a direct enrollment program into one of the local Universities called University of Technology Sydney. It was by far the best four months of my life and I made the best of memories there. To this very day I miss studying abroad and living in Australia! The CAPA program advisers helped me through every step of the process and really made what seemed to be an uncomfortable, out of my comfort zone, experience into a very exciting process that took the nerves of being 10,000 miles away from one away.

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!

I had an incredible experience in Sydney through the CAPA program. I was able to take classes that truly interested me while also having time to explore Sydney and other cities and countries. CAPA provided amazing housing and I met lifetime friends through the CAPA program. The activities that CAPA provided to us throughout the 4 months were amazing, my favorite was the overnight at the Taronga Zoo! If you're in the process of choosing a program to study with, CHOOSE CAPA!! I would do it all again in a heartbeat if I had the opportunity!

IFSA Macquarie Program is amazing! The IFSA staff, both in the US and on-site in Sydney were phenomenal, the nicest people I have ever met who really care about helping you through the study abroad process and giving you the amazing study abroad experience they promise! The on-site staff are always up to meet with you over coffee or lunch, even outside of the regular campus drop in meetings they hold every week or two. IFSA's 3 day orientation is, without a doubt, one of the best parts of the program. They pick you up from the airport and will even help you get a sim card before leaving the terminal. They help you get settled into your room at the YHA and bring you on a walking tour around Circular Quay, the main harbour area. IFSA also took us about 2 hours west of Sydney to the Blue Mountains for a picnic and hike, invited someone to give an Aboriginal cultural presentation, and took us on a dinner cruise on the harbour the final night of orientation. The IFSA team also gives very informative presentations on all the aspects of the upcoming semester, and will answer any questions you have. Finally, they provide transport to Macquarie and help you check in to your room, and walk you to the Centre to start shopping for room necessities. This orientation is also a great opportunity to get to know the people in your program, as opposed to just getting thrown into your student lodging without introductions to the other IFSA students. The housing at the Macquarie University Village is very nice, everyone will have their own bedroom and bathroom with a kitchen shared between the 5 people in your townhouse. The village consists mostly of other international students, who are all looking to meet people and experience new things like you are! The one downside is the distance to the Macquarie Centre, it is on the opposite side of campus so any groceries, take out, or shopping will require you to take the 410 bus, or walk about 20 minutes across campus. You will quickly get used to the bus schedule so it is really not a big issue at all. There is even a small market directly across the street from the village that is sufficient enough to hold you over if you only need a couple of things. The academics at Macquarie were outstanding, I even found the classes to be more hands on and informative than the ones at my home university. Pay special attention to any PACE units that look interesting, it is a great program! IFSA also offers a couple excursions throughout the semester, for our semester we were able to watch a play at the Opera House, and spend a weekend in the rural countryside staying on ranches with various trusted farmers. These are included in the program cost so definitely take advantage of them! As the Macquarie University program was the only IFSA offering in Sydney approved by my home university, I didn't have any way to be closer to the city. Getting into the city does take almost 45 minutes from Macquarie, but will take even less time as Sydney is currently in the process of extending the metro line that stops on campus. Overall, IFSA provided me with all the resources and activities to have the best 4.5 months of my life! The Macquarie group is typically much smaller than any of the IFSA cohorts at the other universities in Sydney, which I enjoyed, since we became so close and tight-knit that we did almost everything together. IFSA Macquarie is an amazing choice for your semester in Sydney, you will take amazing classes, meet amazing new friends, and experience all the amazing things Sydney has to offer!

I studied at USyd during fall 2019 and I am SO glad I did. Even though I was extremely nervous at first about going to a new place by myself, all the advice and facilitation provided by IFSA made the process a lot more daunting. The individual advisor assigned to me was very accommodating, especially with deadlines, and provided detailed answers to all my questions. I got a lot more logistical support from IFSA during pre-departure than I did even from my home school. Once in Sydney, having the program as touchstone was really helpful and helped my anxiety about all of the unknowns a lot. I was able to make other American friends in the program which was great because I had a group of people to do all of the touristy exploration I wanted to do. In my opinion, Sydney itself is the perfect city. I lived just a few blocks away from a train station and could get anywhere very easily, including any of the beaches, which I went to nearly every weekend. I got so used to being recognized by the owner of the neighbourhood coffee shop on days I went in to get my morning flat white. While studying at the University of Sydney, I was able to take courses introduced me to more interdisciplinary modes of thinking that I am now applying to my senior essay back home. Though the class sizes are much larger than I am used to, weekly tutorial sections helped develop discussion further and also gave me the opportunity to meet local students. The only downside was I did not push myself enough to join clubs or organizations with the university, which would have allowed me to make closer Australian friends. I'm graduating next year and have started to consider applying to jobs in Sydney, just to see what could happen.

IFSA was so instrumental in helping me enjoy my abroad experience. The program set up multiple events that helped me meet new people within the program and get comfortable in our new setting. They were also there every step of the way to help us get adjusted to being at a new university, being in a new city, etc. One thing I loved about IFSA as well was the housing. I absolutely loved my roommates; we all had similar goals for abroad, and they all ended up becoming my closest friends. Overall, I highly recommend IFSA if you are looking for a high quality education paired with a great experience socially.

University of Sydney is an amazing university with extremely high quality academics and the perfect location (in the heart of the city but not too far from the beach and beautiful national and state parks), and IFSA gave me the tools to make the most of my experience. Their assistance with direct enrollment allowed me to take amazing classes that I don't have at my home university (one learning about Australian wildlife by going to the zoo and getting behind-the-scene tours of their conservation programs), their research/internship program put me on an amazing ornithology research project, their pre-planned programs gave my opportunities to learn more about Australian culture, and their amazing staff made me feel safe, supported, and gave me the resources and insight to plan my own exciting trips and experiences in and around Sydney. I cannot recommend this program more. Everyone at IFSA is so nice and so supportive, but gives you as much independence as you want while abroad so that you can really customize your experience and make it yours. I had an experience unique from everyone else on my program, but it was absolutely perfect for me.

Interning in Australia was a life changing experience. It made me sure of what I want to do with my life as well as helped get my foot in the door before actually taking the step to go to get my degree. I worked in a Chiropractic clinic which was amazing because I have always wanted to be a chiropractor. I also loved my homestay, my host mom and her friends and family made my experience so much better than I could ever have imagined! I had a lot of free time on the weekends allowing me to do so much stuff around Sydney and New South Wales. I had such an amazing experience!

My time in Sydney will always stay with me. It is an amazing city and a place that I one day will want to be my forever home. My experience with CAPA Sydney was a great experience and program was a tight knit group that became a family. CAPA made the transition to a new city incredibly easy and offered great support system. CAPA Sydney is a study center, so your classes and housing are with other American university students - making it a different type of experience. So, if you are looking to meet locals - thats on you to branch out and make those connections.