Semester in Sydney

GPA

2.7

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.   

Requirements

All Semester In students take 4-5 courses for a total of 12-17 semester credits, choosing from: 

• Minimum of 2oCIEE courses  
• 0-2 University of Sydney courses taught in English  
  • Participants can either take all their classes at CIEE or combine courses at CIEE with courses offered at the University of Sydney. There is a commute of about 20 minutes between CIEE and the University of Sydney campus.  
• Online Course Options: substitute up to two ASU online courses

Program Credit

Total credit: 12-17 U.S. semester/18-25.5 quarter credits 

Course Credit

• CIEE Courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 
• CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 placement hours  
• University of Sydney Courses: Typically, 4 U.S. semester credits/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours 

Academic Culture

The academic environment at the University of Sydney emphasizes active engagement, collaboration, and the integration of diverse perspectives. Lectures are typically led by knowledgeable instructors who foster discussions and encourage active participation from students.  

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 Sydney when classes are in session and plan trips for the long weekends. 

ASU Courses: You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. Some are earning their degrees entirely online, while others, like you, are supplementing their education with an online course. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online. Most ASU online courses are asynchronous, meaning there are no set log-in times, but make sure to verify this before the add/drop deadline in case you want to make a change.

Class Format

The academic environment at CIEE Sydney offers a focused and immersive experience for students, blending rigorous coursework with hands-on learning opportunities to deepen understanding of both academic subjects and the local culture.

CIEE courses typically run from Monday through Thursday, providing students with a concentrated schedule that allows for intensive study and exploration. This condensed format encourages students to fully engage with the material and make the most of their time in Sydney. Attendance in CIEE classes is strictly enforced, both for classes and required co-curricular excursions.

University of Sydney classes are scheduled throughout the week, Monday to Friday, 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.  

To enhance learning experiences, many courses at both CIEE and the University of Sydney incorporate practical applications such as local field trips and guest speakers. These opportunities not only deepen students' understanding of the subject matter but also provide insights into the local culture and context.

Courses taught at the CIEE Center are typically for CIEE students only. Host Institution classes include both local and international students. Instruction for both CIEE and Host Institution courses is supported and augmented online by the learning management system, Canvas. 

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5 weeks long in semesters and 6 weeks long in the summer, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end. You’ll need a standard PC or Mac desktop or laptop computer with a download speed higher than 25 Mbps, as well as access to email, productivity software like Microsoft Office and other applications needed to perform a variety of educational functions. Most course materials you will need are available online. Since you are working mostly or entirely asynchronously, you’re given deadlines for your assignments by your instructor or in your syllabus, but you can work at your own pace within these due dates. Most instructors suggest a recommended pace to optimize your learning, but you have the flexibility to complete your ASU courses while pursuing your studies at your CIEE location.

Grading

Assessment at University of Sydney is typically based on essays, project reports, a midterm, tutorial/seminar participation and performance, and practical and final exams. 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.

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. As a U.S. institution of higher education, the grading practices should be familiar to any CIEE student. ASU awards grades of "A+," "A," "A-," "B+," " B," "B-," "C+," "C," "D," or "E.” “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students. Please see the CIEE Academic Manual for Students for more information about your grades.

Language of Instruction

English