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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Program Name
Early Return - Business, STEM, Liberal Arts, Health & Social Sciences
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Location
Sydney
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Host University
University of Sydney
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Term
Spring 1A 2020
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Program Dates
Dec 31, 2019 - Jun 01, 2020
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Program Length
Semester
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Application Deadline
Oct 15, 2019
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Credit
24 Host University Units
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Eligibility
3.00 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$14,800
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Program Description
Housing is not included in the price above. For more information on housing options and prices, please refer to the housing section.
This tailored program at the University of Sydney (USYD) aligns perfectly with the U.S. academic calendar, allowing you explore the heart of Sydney while broadening your academic horizons at the University of Sydney. At USYD you will enroll in 4 academic subjects during your semester abroad, and even have the option of applying to complete an Internship course for credit. You will be sure to have endless opportunities to explore Sydney’s bustling downtown and stunning Sydney Harbour during your semester abroad at the University of Sydney.
Courses offered at the University of Sydney are taught by university professors alongside local Australian and International students at the Camperdown and Moore Park Precinct campuses.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.00.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
There is no language prerequisite for this program.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Site Specialist will assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception
Airport Reception
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to book your flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
Airport reception is not provided for Intensive Month or J-Term programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Site Specialist will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Meals and Laundry Service
Meals and Laundry Service
The amount of meals and possibility of laundry services vary per location. Meals and laundry services are provided with most homestays. For more details, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Program
Bridging Cultures Program
The Bridging Cultures Program (BCP) encompasses the ISA on-site orientation which will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. The BCP is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the BCP, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions
Excursions
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, and some summer sessions.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
Host University Units
24
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
16
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
24
Academic Information
COURSE SELECTION
The courses listed below are only a sampling of what the university offers. Please see the full University of Sydney Course Catalog, linked below, for additional course options.
CREDIT CONVERSION
Per the University of Sydney's recommendation, 6 credit points = 4 U.S. semester credits (6 U.S. quarter credits). The transcript from the University of Sydney will reflect Sydney credit points for each course. Please be in touch with your U.S. university regarding credit transfer for this program.
GAP Year and First Year
Students participating in the GAP Year and First Year programs at the University of Sydney will have limited course options (approx 150 to choose from). Please contact your Site Specialist for the full list of course options.
COURSE LEVEL RECOMMENDATIONS
ISA offers course level recommendations for the courses listed below. Please note that the course level recommendations are based on the University of Sydney unit (course) codes. All USyd unit codes consist of four letters detailing the area of study of the unit (such as ACCT for Accounting) and four numbers. 1000 level units are introductory or lower division units equivalent to U.S. Freshman or Sophomore level courses. 2000 level units are Intermediate level units, and 3000 level units are Senior level units. Unit codes beginning with 2 or 3 are recommended as upper division. These ISA recommendations are intended to facilitate the determination of course equivalencies by advisors and credential evaluators at participants' U.S. home institutions.
To find available courses at the University of Sydney:
1) Consult the University of Sydney course spreadsheet by clicking the 'Go To Course Search' button below.2) Search through the spreadsheet using key words or phrases, or by looking through specific subject areas. Note that if you are completing the Spring 1A Program, you will need to select courses from both the 'Summer Session' and 'Semester 1'
3)You can view complete course information by clicking on the link located on the far right-hand side of the spreadsheet which directs you to course information on the University of Sydney Website.
4) Be sure that you meet any prerequisites associated with the course (similar coursework taken at your Home University will be considered), and that the course specifically states it is available to Study Abroad Students.
Go to Host University Course Search Here
Go to Course SearchCourses
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Support & Funding
U.S. Team
Jeffrey Sendejar
Program Manager, Australia & Fiji
A native Texan, Jeffrey attended the University of Texas at Austin where he completed a B.S.A in Biology with a Minor in French. Torn between studying in Europe or Australia, Jeffrey ultimately decided to study abroad in Sydney at the University of New South Wales. While abroad he was mesmerized by the country’s diverse cultures, varied landscapes, and iconic wildlife. Outside of the office, Jeffrey enjoys cooking and sampling different world cuisines, completing DIY projects, and collecting plants. He tries to travel whenever he can and enjoys experiencing different cultures and exploring different points of view through his travels.
SYDNEY TEAM
Ignacio "Nacho" Rubio Perez
Resident Director, Australia
Ignacio "Nacho" Rubio Perez
Resident Director
Originally from Granada, in the South of Spain, Ignacio "Nacho" Rubio Perez pursued a degree in Translation and Interpretation. He studied abroad in Montpellier, France and went back to school to earn a second degree in Media Studies. He later earned a Teaching certificate and worked with ISA in many capacities. Nacho loves sports, especially rugby, and outdoor activities. He has travelled extensively as is currently very interested in exploring more of Asia. Nacho is very interested in intercultural communication and is eager to help students explore Sydney and get the most out of their study abroad experience in Australia by better understanding the local culture and following their passions.
Dharma Bendersky
Director of Operations, Australia
Dharma Bendersky
Director of Operations
Born in Sydney, Dharma studied Environmental Sciences at the University of Wollongong where he lived with many study abroad students and formed life-long friendships. This led to a career in international education, where he has worked for over 18 years at Australian universities, study abroad companies and leading tours around Australia and the Asia Pacific. A dual Australian/American citizen, he has lived and traveled extensively throughout the US, as well as Europe, and is a keen surf and landscape photographer. Dharma has a passion for adventure and new experiences, and enjoys working for ISA to help others have life-changing intercultural experiences that encourage personal and professional growth.
Laura Carroll
Programs Assistant, Australia
Laura Carroll
Programs Assistant
Laura was born & raised in Southern California. She went to California State University Long Beach where she studied Nutrition & Public Health. She enjoys any kind of outdoor activity, cooking, reading, swimming & yoga. Laura fancies traveling anywhere tropical, but her most memorable trips was to South Africa. It gave her a new perspective on life. She felt truly humbled by the culture and people being so welcoming. She enjoyed the beautiful coastline scenery, went shark cage diving and bungee jumped one of the highest bungee jumps in the world! Moving from California to Sydney she experienced culture shock herself and can understand what the students are feeling and give them first hand advice. She finds ISA to be a unique place to work, and is constantly learning something new.
Funding Your ISA Program
As an ISA participant, you have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad programs. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Scholarships and Grants page.
View all Funding OptionsHousing
Living in ISA Sydney housing will give you the opportunity to interact and engage with local Australian and International Students alike and experience aspects of the Australian lifestyle that are often overlooked by visitors. All ISA Housing options are within walking distance to your university or are conveniently located close to public transit routes. While there are differences between accommodation in Australia and the U.S., with an open mind and a drive for exploration, you’ll soon discover that the experience of living in another culture can be both educational and rewarding.
Housing is provided on all ISA programs in Australia at an additional cost. Costs vary according to accommodation selected and session, but ranges from $6,700 - $8,000, without meals (Subject to Change). We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations; however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Apartment Without Meals
Students studying at the University of Sydney or the University of Technology Sydney have the option to stay near downtown Sydney in modern student apartments. Students have the option to preference placement in single rooms within a 5 - 6 bedroom apartment, with a private en-suite bathroom, or in a twin-share room within a 4 bedroom apartment, also with a shared bathroom. Students will be living with other ISA and/or other local and international students during their program. Housing fees include rent, utilities, 15 GB of internet, as well as a basic kitchen pack and a linen pack. Meal plans are not available at this accommodation, but coin operated laundry facilities are available on-site. With their housing fee, students will have access to all social areas of the apartment building and an organized social program which provides events and outings for students on weekends as well as during the week
Independent Housing
Students may opt to secure housing independent of the ISA program. By choosing to opt out of ISA housing, you are solely responsible for researching, reserving, and paying for all fees, deposits, and rent directly to your independent housing agency. Please be sure to confirm that you have Home University approval to pursue Independent Housing during your ISA Program.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
Byron Bay + Bridging Cultures Program
Kick-off your semester abroad with ISA during our 4-day Bridging Cultures Program (BCP) in beautiful Byron Bay. The BCP integrates our ISA on-site orientation with exciting activities aimed at introducing Australian culture, helping you define your study abroad goals, and encouraging you to meet other students. Activities include: Surf Lessons, Aboriginal Culture in Australia Ceremony, a Community Farming Lesson, a Bush Tucker Walk and Food Experience, a Visit to the famous Byron Bay Lighthouse, a Kangaroo and Koala encounter at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and most importantly, an informative, interactive, and memorable start to your study abroad experience.
Byron Bay + Bridging Cultures Program
Kick-off your semester abroad with ISA during our 4-day Bridging Cultures Program (BCP) in beautiful Byron Bay. The BCP integrates our ISA on-site orientation with exciting activities aimed at introducing Australian culture, helping you define your study abroad goals, and encouraging you to meet other students. Activities include: Surf Lessons, Aboriginal Culture in Australia Ceremony, a Community Farming Lesson, a Bush Tucker Walk and Food Experience, a Visit to the famous Byron Bay Lighthouse, a Kangaroo and Koala encounter at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and most importantly, an informative, interactive, and memorable start to your study abroad experience.
Blue Mountain National Park
Trek to Australia’s beautiful Blue Mountains National park via chartered coach along with your fellow ISA students for a day full of discovery. During this day trip you will learn about indigenous culture on a guided bushwalk, capture picture-perfect views of the park’s expansive forests, and marvel at the iconic Three Sisters Rock formation.
Blue Mountain National Park
Trek to Australia’s beautiful Blue Mountains National park via chartered coach along with your fellow ISA students for a day full of discovery. During this day trip you will learn about indigenous culture on a guided bushwalk, capture picture-perfect views of the park’s expansive forests, and marvel at the iconic Three Sisters Rock formation.
Jervis Bay
Take time to get outside the city and explore the wonders of Australia's eastern coast. On this overnight excursions you will relax on pristine, white sand beaches, take a guided bush tour through Jervis Bay National park and if you're lucky be the first to spot a dolphin or whale out in the bay.
Jervis Bay
Take time to get outside the city and explore the wonders of Australia's eastern coast. On this overnight excursions you will relax on pristine, white sand beaches, take a guided bush tour through Jervis Bay National park and if you're lucky be the first to spot a dolphin or whale out in the bay.
Cultural Activities in Sydney
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Sydney. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Sydney special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included a classic Aussie BBQ, attending an AFL Football game, attending a local beach clean up, iconic Coogee to Bondi coastal walk, and museum visits.
Cultural Activities in Sydney
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Sydney. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Sydney special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included a classic Aussie BBQ, attending an AFL Football game, attending a local beach clean up, iconic Coogee to Bondi coastal walk, and museum visits.