CIEE Internship and Integrated Studies Program in Sydney, Australia

  Australia

• Sydney: 
Sydney

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Throughout the year 
Dates: Fall 19 weeks: mid-July-early December; Spring 19 weeks: early-February-late June; Academic Year 50 weeks: mid-July-late June; Calendar Year 40 weeks: early-February-early December

Description: The Internship and Integrated Studies program is designed to provide a challenging experiential work experience coupled with integrated academic coursework at the University. Participants living on the Macquarie campus study alongside local students and become fully immersed in the social, cultural, and intellectual life of Macquarie University. The CIEE orientation and excursion program allows students to interact with each other, while traversing the culture and landscapes that enrich their understanding of contemporary Australia.

Academic Program
The CIEE Internship and Integrated Studies program provides a supportive environment in which students gain firsthand knowledge of Australian life and society through an internship experience and coursework at Macquarie University. An internship is a required component of the program as it allows CIEE students to apply discipline-based theory in a real world scenario, thus building professional competencies in a global context.

Internships are available in all academic disciplines offered by Macquarie University, with the exception of teaching and law. Students are encouraged to seek out an internship and develop an academic program that supports or extends the requirements of their home institution major and meets their own personal needs. Previous internships have included placements in marine science, business administration, digital media, finance and accounting, marketing and public relations, journalism, human resources, sports and event management, and science.

Once accepted to the CIEE program, students apply for an internship by completing the online application process. Students submit a cover letter, resume, and application form.   

Upon arrival, each student must schedule an interview with the Internships staff at Macquarie University to discuss possible placements. Students must attend an interview at the potential host organization before the internship can be confirmed. Should a students interview be successful, the student will officially be offered a placement and commence their internship early in the semester. Details will be available to students as part of their pre-departure materials. Internship options will not be presented until the student arrives in Sydney and meets with the Internship staff. Internship students will be given ongoing support throughout the semester from the Internship Staff and will be assigned a specific advisor to whom they can direct all questions and concerns.

Internships are competitive and placements in some fields (e.g. finance and accounting) may be limited. Since students receive academic credit for their placement, all internships are unpaid.

Academic Culture
The Australian educational system is student- centered, requiring self-motivation and independent learning from students.

A typical class requires two or three hours of lectures and one or two hours of tutorials or seminar classes each week. Science-based classes normally require three hours of laboratory classes per week. Students learn through a mix of lectures, small group tutorials, and seminars that allow them the opportunity to discuss and process what they are learning and keep pace with their fellow students.

The academic year runs from early February through early December and comprises two main sessions. Session I, from early February to late June, corresponds to the U.S. spring semester. Session II, from mid-July through early December, corresponds to the U.S. fall semester. The academic year program consists of two consecutive semesters and may follow the U.S. academic year (Session II and Session I) or the Australian calendar year (Session I and Session II).

Highlights:

• Internships for credit with local organizations and businesses organized through Macquarie University
  
• Full-time academic and personal support provided by the CIEE Resident Director
  
• Innovative courses in many fields, including economics, finance, humanities, business, psychology, and environmental and life sciences
  
• Regional excursions, including a bush walking trip to the coast of New South Wales, as well as many cultural and educational activities such as a trip to the Sydney Opera House, Aussie Rules football matches, and hiking in the Blue Mountains

Murramarang Excursion
A highlight of the semester is a two- or three- day excursion to an area of outstanding natural beauty on the New South Wales south coast, where students are introduced to Aboriginal culture, as well as to Australian flora and fauna. Students stay in cabins surrounded by a national park, water, and beaches. Dolphins can sometimes be seen in the bay, and visiting kangaroos from nearby forests freely roam the area. On some trips students may spend a day hiking a mountain that is sacred to the local Aboriginal people, guided by an Aboriginal elder who imparts precious teachings about Indigenous Australians and their culture, an experience that few Australians ever have.

Other options may include a bay cruise to see dolphins and other marine park wildlife, taking part in an authentic Aboriginal corroboree or dance. Theres also time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings- clear blue waters, long sandy beaches, and a coastline largely untouched by humans. Whichever weekend students are a part of, they are encouraged to get in touch with nature and find their creative inner selves. The stunning natural setting is perfect for such reflection.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: yes

Overall GPA 3.0

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Australia Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Scholarships are Available. We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

CIEE's Mission Statement: Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded: 1947