Semester in Melbourne

GPA

3.0

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Program open to sophomore year. 

Requirements

All Semester in Melbourne students take 4-5 courses for a total of 14-17 semester credits, choosing from:

• 2 courses at Monash University
• 2-3 CIEE courses

Program Credit

Total credit: 14-17 U.S. semester/21-25.5 quarter credits.

Course Credit

• CIEE Courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
• Monash University Courses: Typically 4 U.S. semester credits/6 quarter credits; notional hours vary

Academic Culture

The academic environment at Monash University reflects a dynamic blend of traditional teaching methods and contemporary pedagogical approaches. Lectures are typically led by instructors who foster discussions and encourage active participation from students, like the structure often seen in US higher education institutions.

CIEE courses, augmented by Canvas Learning Management System, are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two hours of preparation and study for each hour in CIEE classes.

To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of Melbourne when classes are in session and plan trips for the long weekends.

Class Format

Classes at Monash University are scheduled throughout the week, Monday to Friday; while CIEE courses typically meet from Monday to Thursday, offering flexibility to accommodate students' various commitments. Attendance is emphasized, with students expected to attend a significant portion of face-to-face sessions.

Australian universities typically require students to take responsibility for learning and encourage self-motivation and self-discipline. Daily assignments and readings are common, disseminated through online platforms or email, allowing students to engage with course material beyond the classroom with the expectation that they will contribute actively to discussions during class. Students are expected to work much more independently than in the U.S., thus more time may be required for studying than students are accustomed to at their home campuses. 

Courses taught at the CIEE Center are typically for CIEE students only. Host institution classes include both local and international students. Attendance in CIEE classes is strictly enforced, both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Instruction is supported and augmented online by the learning management system Moodle for Monash courses and Canvas for CIEE courses.

Grading

Assessment at Monash University is rigorous, with continuous assessment methods that might include weekly quizzes, essays, project reports, a midterm, tutorial/seminar participation and performance, in-class presentations, and practical and final exams. Students can expect a combination of individual assignments and group projects, designed to develop both independent and collaborative skills. 

CIEE reports final grades for host institution courses using recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, following a predetermined grade conversion scale. For CIEE-administered courses, students’ grades are based on attendance, class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi. The U.S. grading scale of A – F is used.

Language of Instruction

English