First Year Abroad in Sydney
Put your global education first! See Sydneyand start college at the same time on CIEE’s First Year Abroad program. Earn college credit during a 12-week semester, taking classes from a wide range of subject areas. Immerse yourself in the local Australian culture by engaging in activities and excursions with first-year peers and other CIEE study abroad students.
Stay in Sydney for the duration of your 12-week program or combine with a second semester to complete a full academic year abroad. Along the way, you’ll develop skills and knowledge you simply can’t get in a U.S. classroom. Broaden your horizons, create relationships that last a lifetime, and return home to complete your college degree with a newfound confidence.
Please note: students will be required to obtain a working holiday visa in order to participate in an academic year program in this location.
Unique Experiences
Cultural Immersion
Explore Sydney through Australian cultural activities and excursions
College Credits
Stay on track with your 4-year graduation requirements and earn up to 13 credits per semester
Lifelong Skills and Friendships
Jump right into independence, far away from home, and bond with other U.S. and international students
The Destination
Sydney is blessed with some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world; more than 80% of Australia's plants and animals are unique to our Island(s) and are found nowhere else in the world. There is also a bubbling art scene, the City of Sydney government supports young and fun artistic pursuits, including Sydney's Art and About, Vivid Sydney, Sydney Movie Festival, regular food, art, crafts and music events and the list goes on!
Sydney is an incredibly diverse city, and home to people from all over the world – nearly half of its residents speak a language other than English at home and 36% were born overseas. The first inhabitants, the Aboriginals, are the world's oldest civilization, and this heritage has helped shape modern Australia. This one-of-a-kind mix of people and cultures led to a shared spirit and attitude that is the Australian way of life. Aussies are known for laid-back "no-worries" attitudes, being open-hearted and open-minded and believing that everyone should have equal rights and opportunities, what they call locally as having a "fair go".
CIEE Sydney is strategically located in the heart of Sydney's Downtown (CBD) and minutes away from Central Station, with local, intercity, and interstate transport at your doorstep. In addition, our campus is 8 minutes walking distance from student housing, making commuting to and from class very easy and free.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with marginalized identities might encounter in Sydney.
Students may study in Sydney for up to two semesters when combining fall and spring terms (working holiday visa required).
Excursions & Activities
Ample activities and day-trips will be offered to immerse you in Australia's culture and historical heritage. Each block typically includes two day-trips or one overnight trip.
- Hike the spectacular Blue Mountains with experienced and informed guides ready to share the environmental and cultural history of the spectacular landscape.
- Visit Australia's capital - Canberra. Learn about Australia's parliamentary government while seeing world-class attractions and amazing architecture.
- Enjoy a day at the famous Manly beach and join a guided historical Q-station (Quarantine Station) tour in Sydney Harbour National Park, and learn about the first Australian visitors' quarantine history and experience.
- Check out famous landmarks: visit the Opera House and walk across the Harbour Bridge; hike at one of Sydney's National Parks, or visit one of our many museums.
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when revising itineraries is always to enhance your experience. Every activity is designed to provide you with a deep immersion in your topic, local culture and sights.
Housing & Meals
Housing
Students will live in shared apartments nestled in a serene and green residential suburb. Located close to CIEE Sydney, downtown, and stunning beaches, our housing ensures students are always well-connected to the best of the city. Set in a safe and welcoming neighborhood, students will enjoy a peaceful and secure living environment. Everything they need is within walking distance from their home, including various restaurants, supermarkets, a pharmacy, and easily accessible public transport options.
Meals
Students share kitchen facilities to prepare meals or can purchase food and drinks at local grocers. Sydney has a vibrant food scene with fresh local fruits, vegetables, and meats readily available. You’ll find Australian food is influenced from all corners of the globe, whether it’s a walk down Spice Alley, fish and chips on the beach, or a traditional Australian pub food there is something for everyone’s tastes.
Academics
First Year Abroad offers foundational college courses taught by CIEE local instructors to start your four-year college degree. We combine rigorous intro-level academic courses with unforgettable experiences outside the classroom to create a curriculum fostering academic, intercultural, and professional skills that help you succeed in college and the world beyond.
Our curriculum includes general education courses from major disciplines that offer you college credits to stay on track. Choose lecture and lab courses from the Arts and Humanities, World Language, Natural and Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Social Sciences, as well as courses specifically designed to help you develop organizational, writing and study skills to thrive in college.
Course Information
In the Fall semester, the courses below will be listed as available in Blocks II & III, rather than Blocks I & II. This is because the First Year Abroad program runs during the final two blocks of the Fall semester which is otherwise split into three blocks on CIEE’s Academic Calendar.
For information about how these courses will be transferred back to Dean College, please refer to the course equivalency chart.
Visual and Performing Arts
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Social Sciences
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Fall Block II 2024
Psychology
FYA Block I
- Environmental Science (Lab Course)
- Introduction to Composition I
- Principles of Microeconomics
FYA Block II
- Contemporary Social Issues
- Digital Photography
- General Psychology
Download the course syllabi
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Host Family Community Scholarship
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Interested in an academic year program? CIEE offers exciting customizable First Year Abroad (FYA) programs in select locations. Talk to your Enrollment Coordinator if you're interested in any of these combinations, and please note that visa and departure requirements may vary depending on your chosen program combination.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2026 9 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2025 9 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date * | End Date * | |
| Program Fall 2025 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Fall Block II 2024 6 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | |
| Program Fall 2024 12 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | |
| Program Fall Block III 2024 6 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, you will pay your CIEE program fee (fee varies by location) and Dean College tuition and fees ($2,900 total for all locations) directly to Dean College.
Federal financial aid and state aid (Massachusetts residents only) is available through Dean College. Students applying for need-based financial aid from Dean College must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using the FAFSA School Code for Dean College: 002144.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Get Started
1
Start a CIEE FYA Application
You’re one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! You need to apply and be accepted by both CIEE and Dean College to join FYA. Don’t worry! We’ll help you through the process!
2
Complete the Dean College FYA Application
You will receive an email with a unique link to your personalized Dean College application after completing your CIEE FYA application.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to the FYA program.