Fast Facts

Location:
 Sydney, Australia.

Academic Calendar:
 Fall: July to November,
Spring: March to June
*There is a summer program available at the University of Sydney

Application Deadlines:
 Fall Semester: March 31
Spring Semester: November 30

Admission Requirements:
 Undergraduate sophomore, junior or senior.
Overall GPA: 3.0
GPA in Major: 3.25

Credits:
 12-16 credits per semester, Fall or Spring.

Additional Program Highlights:
 On-site orientation and field trips.
Part-time internships available.

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University of Sydney

About the University of Sydney

The University of Sydney is the oldest and most prestigious university in Australia, with an international reputation for excellence. The main campus stands on 72 hectares with its magnificent 1857 neo-gothic sandstone quadrangle reflecting the University's academic and cultural heritage. Research and technological facilities are first class, and include the prizewinning Fisher Library which holds over 4 million items.

Visit their website at: http://www.usyd.edu.au

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is a free-spirited and vibrant city built around one of the world's most beautiful harbors (where Sydney Opera House is located), with scores of beaches within easy reach of its cosmopolitan heart.

Visit the city website:
http://www.usyd.edu.au/su/io/studying/aboutsyd.html
http://www.sydney.com.au/

The Brockport Program at the University of Sydney offers you the opportunity to:

  • Live and study in one of the world's most rewarding and cosmopolitan educational environments,
  • Receive instruction in small classes, seminars and tutorials from members of the faculty at the University of Sydney,
  • Choose (and be guaranteed - before you leave the US) the coursework you want/need from an almost limitless variety of disciplines,
  • Select a part time internship placement with the Research Institute for the Asia and the Pacific (if you would like to combine this opportunity for credit along with your coursework),
  • Total integration with Australian students,
  • Improve your writing and research skills tremendously.
Your experience at the University of Sydney will:
  • Introduce you to Australian society and the Australian educational system,
  • Make you a better student,
  • Expand your outlook on the world,
  • Build your self esteem and self confidence,
  • Enhance your career prospects.
At the University of Sydney you will:
  • Live with Australian students in modern, superior [single bedroom/adjoining suite, apartment complex] University-owned accommodations on or near one of the campuses (on-campus more limited) or in off-campus accommodations if you prefer,
  • Receive a comprehensive on-site orientation at the University of Sydney that will maximize the benefits of your semester/year of study,
  • Have the benefit of an on-going program of field trips, excursions, and social events at the University of Sydney,
  • Enjoy the security of a complete package of academic and non-academic support services.

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Admission

A prospective participant should have:

  • Second semester sophomore or junior standing by the start of the program.
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
  • A GPA of 3.25 in an appropriate major.
  • The demonstrated ability to do upper-division work in the subjects chosen.
Application Deadlines:
  • For Fall Semester: 31 March
  • For Spring Semester: 30 November
  • For Full Academic Year: 31 March

2009 Term Dates:
Semester Start End
Spring 2009 March 2009 July 2009
Fall 2009 17 July 2009 (depart US) 21 November 2009 (depart Australia)



The academic year at the University of Sydney consists of two fifteen week semesters. Participants in the Brockport University of Sydney Program may enroll for the fall, spring, or for the full academic year.

*There is a summer program available at the University of Sydney

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Housing & Orientation

Housing:

Included in your program fee is the cost of your housing at a newly built student apartment complex called "Sydney University Village." This housing is, in our opinion (and the opinion of the students who are housed there now), the best housing available at the University of Sydney.

Sydney University Village [or as it is known informally, "SUV"] is located immediately adjacent to the University of Sydney (just across the street from the university's main campus). It is a self-contained, purpose-built, housing "village" consisting of 650 apartment-style units and rooms. Only 80 American students will be housed here, the other 570 places are intended for Australian and other international students. Thus, this housing will contribute significantly to your integration into Australian student life.

About Sydney University Village:

At SUV there are two styles of accommodation:

  • A self-contained studio apartment consisting of a bedroom (king-size bed), en suite bathroom, microwave oven and refrigerator.
  • A single bedroom unit (with a shared bath) in a five-bedroom suite that also includes two shared bathrooms, a shared kitchen and living room/lounge.
Participants cannot choose or specify which of these two styles of accommodation they will be assigned. Places and types of accommodation are assigned by the management of the village in order to insure that American study abroad students are fully integrated with Australian students, not clustered into an "American student ghetto."

  • This housing is very secure. Security at SUV is provided by the University of Sydney's own security service.
  • The Village has a fully licensed common area and lounge with communal kitchen especially designed for those living in the studios.
  • The housing is a "student village," with an extremely high level of amenity-there are telephones, television hook-ups and data ports in every room, there is a cafe and convenience store ["Hoochie Mammas"] on site - provided.
  • Although the cost of the rent for this housing is included in the cost of the program, there are several additional minor expenses associated with living in SUV:

      a. There is a compulsory partial "meal plan" for residents of SUV (at what will amount to an extra US$500 per semester). This compulsory food plan consists of "points" amounting to about AUD$20 per week during the entire semester. These "points" can only be spent at the various food outlets in the housing village and only up to a maximum of $20 per week. You need to be aware that this poiont-based "food plan" will probably NOT cover the total cost of the meals that you will consume each week (consequently you will probably have to buy additional points or additional food to be prepared in your apartment). Remember that each unit will have some type of cooking facilities so, if you choose to do so, you will be able to prepare all or most of your own meals and use these "points" just for snacks, etc. Alternatively, if you choose, you will be able to buy your meals at the cafe in SUV and use these "points" towards that cost. This partial "meal plan" is not an option; all SUV residents - Australian and American alike - are required to purchase it.

      b. Participants housed in SUV will be expected to purchase a "bedding package" [consisting of sheets, pillowcases, blankets, pillows, towels, etc.] on arrival at an additional cost of around AUD$165.

      c. Participants should expect to pay monthly for the electricity and telephone service they use as well as for those things that vary by use by the individual [do you really need satellite TV?]. d. There are also some minor fees charged for such things as replacing lost keys, club membership, etc.

This housing is arguably some of the best student housing in Australia. Take a look at: http://www.suv.com.au

But there is a catch (so please read this next section very carefully):

Although Brockport has secured for the participants in its University of Sydney program a large number of apartments that are available to American study abroad students at SUV, there are still a limited number of apartments. These apartments will be assigned to the first participants who return the reply form (by mail, messenger or in person) to the Office of International Education at Brockport.

Once the available places have been assigned, a waiting list will be established. In the event that one of the students who has been assigned a place in Syndey University Village withdraws, that vacated place will be offered to the next student on the waiting list.

Participants who (because they have not applied for this housing in a timely manner) and are not placed at Sydney University Village will be provided temporary housing, and the housing office at the University of Sydney can assist students that have not secured permanent housing to find semester housing if needed.

Those participants who find themselves in the position of having to obtain alternate off-campus accommodation in Sydney will (as our policies dictate) be partially reimbursed by Brockport's Office of International Education for the cost of that alternate housing (temporary and permanent) to a maximum of US$3,200 per semester. Participants should be aware that this $3,200 may not cover the full cost of the housing they secure and should be prepared to have to pay some additional amount beyond this US$3,200 (depending on the value of the US dollar at that time) for this alternate housing.

Orientation:

An orientation program specifically for study abroad and exchange students is conducted by the University of Sydney during the week prior to the commencement of classes in both semesters. Issues covered include settling in to life in Sydney, culture shock, accommodation, health insurance, clubs and societies, email access, study skills, weekend trips, and social events available during the semester for students to sign up for.

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Cost

Fees for the Brockport University of Sydney Program

Fall 2009 Semester: $17,650

Spring 2010 Semester: TBA

INCLUDES:

  • TUITION (at Brockport and at the University of Sydney in most Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences programs*),
  • HOUSING** (single accommodation in self-catered University of Sydney
    • owned student housing),
  • Housing security deposit,
  • Program acceptance fee,
  • Pre-departure orientation materials, advisement and counseling,
  • On-site orientation upon arrival at the University of Sydney,
  • The International Student Identity Card, and
  • Brockport's Value-Added Services.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
  • Passport Fee
  • Australian Visa Fee
  • Health Insurance***
  • Passport
  • Various campus-specific fees**** (Student Government, Technology Fees, etc.).
  • Airfare to and from Australia
  • Textbooks
  • Meals
  • Personal Expenses
  • Local Travel

As a very rough guide, a participant in the Brockport University of Sydney Program will need to budget approximately $300 to $400 AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS per month, to pay for daily local travel, textbooks and other school supplies, entertainment, meals and other necessities.

  • This estimate does not include the purchase of clothing; travel in Australia outside of the excursions/field trips organized by the program.
  • The group flight will cost participants approximately $1,800 (depending on departure/return dates, the point of origin of any connecting flights in the US, etc.).

The actual amount that you will spend depends heavily on your style of living, and will vary with each individual's personal spending habits, entertainment preferences and travel choices.

 

Financial aid applies towards fees.

*Enrollment in most Science and Engineering programs at Sydney are at an additional extra charge.
**Those participants who find themselves in the position of having to obtain alternate off-campus accommodation in Sydney will (as our policies dictate) be partially reimbursed by Brockport's Office of International Education for the cost of that alternate housing (temporary and permanent) to a maximum of US$3,000 per semester. Partcipants should be aware that this $3,000 may not cover the full cost of the housing they secure and should be prepared to have to pay some additional amount beyond this US$3,000 (depending on the value of the US dollar at that time) for this alternate housing.
***For Visa purposes, all Australia study abroad students MUST purchase the mandatory insurance coverage (presently $150.00 per semester).
****Varies depending on the SUNY campus at which the participant pays tuition.

 

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Courses

Courses:

For information on specific courses, visit: http://www.usyd.edu.au/fstudent/studyabroad/study/database.shtml

The following University of Sydney websites are available to students:

The main University of Sydney site:

http://www.usyd.edu.au

International Office pages:

http://www.usyd.edu.au.io/

Application forms and information on how to apply:

http://www.usyd.edu.au.io/studyabroad/

Pre-departure Information:

http://www.usyd.edu.au/issu/predeppack.html

Accommodation:

http://www.usyd.edu.au/accomm/

Frequently asked questions:

http://www.usyd.edu.au/su/io/FAQs.html

University of Sydney catalog site:

http:www.heifer.ucc.usyd.edu.au/io/study_abroad/default.html

Credits:

Participants in the SUNY Brockport University of Sydney (Australia) Program must undertake a full-time study load (or course load). A normal full-time load falls between 22 and 24 units per semester. The minimum full-time load is 18 units. Students are not permitted to enroll in more than 24 units per semester. Typically, one course is either 6 or 8 credit units in weight.

Curriculum:

Participants in the Brockport University of Sydney Program will select (prior to departure) 3-5 courses depending on area of study for a total of 22-24 credit points. The University of Sydney's handbook can be viewed at: http://www.usyd.edu.au/fstudent/studyabroad/study/units.html

Select the appropriate Academic Year. For Semester, select "All Sessions." For Faculty, select "Study Abroad and Exchange." For Course Name, select Category 1 for Undergraduate Coursework.

Participants in the Brockport University of Sydney Program are examined in the same manner (and to the same standard) as their Australian counterparts and classmates. The majority of courses in which they will enroll are examined formally at the end of the semester and in order to be awarded credit, participants must take-and pass-the examination at the end of the study period in question.

Internships:

Study abroad students will have the opportunity to complete an internship while studying at the University of Sydney. Interns will have the opportunity to spend 15 days during the semester (minimum 120 hours) working on a project at a host organization. To make up the full time load study abroad internship students will also enroll in 3 or 2 units of study.

In order to be eligible for the program students need at least a GPA of 3.2 higher. Preference will also be given to senior students.

Interns will benefit from:

  • Developing familiarity with Australian workplace culture;
  • Enhancing their ability to observe and reflect on their own skills and experiences to inform their behaviour;
  • Sharpening their ability to relate their learning to real situations;
  • Improving their written, oral and interpersonal communication skills; and
  • Testing out their skills in assessing and summarizing information, asking relevant questions.

 

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