CISabroad - Summer in Sydney

Name: My Unforgettable Time in Sydney
Item: CISabroad - Summer in Sydney
Rating: 10
Author: Julie Baumgart

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Considered to be one of the world's most livable cities, Sydney has a bit of everything to captivate you during your summer abroad. Whether it's exploring downtown, getting in-touch with nature at one of the several National Parks, or lounging at Bondi Beach, you're sure to find the reason why four-million people call Sydney home. While enrolled at The University of Sydney not only will you be able to choose from over 2,500 course offerings but you'll quickly becoming involved in the University of Sydney's community through 200 campus clubs and societies.

Highlights

University ranked in top 3% of universities worldwide
World-class facilities, inspirational academics, and dedicated faculty and professors
Big city living, but with easy access to Sydney's world famous beaches
Broad course offerings in business, international studies, and communications
Six U.S. credits in just six weeks

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97%

based on 3 reviews

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Study

Academics 9.7
Support 7.7
Fun 10
Housing 6.3
Safety 7.7

Showing 1 - 3 of 3

I had the chance to study in the beautiful Sydney Australia this past summer (2018), and had the time of my life. I was able to live right in the heart of the city, walking distance to Central Station. The transportation systems were so easy to use, that I spent almost every day on a bus or train exploring the city. From the Opera House, to Bondi, to the Rocks, there was never a day that went by that I didn't know what to do. CISabroad provided me with other students that shared the same interests I did, a University (USYD) to take classes, and incredible excursions set up to help immerse me into my new home. Our adviser in Sydney was so warm and helpful throughout our time; we're still in contact today! While I was only there for 6 weeks, my classes were all within the first three weeks of the trip. I had the last three weeks to travel and enjoy my time there. I took a train to Newcastle where I kayaked in the Hunter Wetlands National Park and took a plane to Cairns where I had the chance to snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, swim in waterfalls, and ride motor scooters around the sugar cane fields and rain forests. Studying abroad was one of the best choices I've ever made, and I'm confident that my time in Sydney is not over. The 20 hour long plane ride was definitely worth it, and I'd be lucky if I could do it again!

How can this program be improved?

The only improvements that can be made are about the housing, however, I am aware that housing in Sydney is incredibly competitive, so it makes sense that it wasn't the greatest.

The sun rising in the east next to the Icebergs at Bondi Beach. The waves are crashing into the pool, which is a common, yet beautiful sight to see.

I am currently completing a Biomedical Engineering Internship though CISabroad. They did a great job connecting me with Australian Internships and helping me to find the perfect placement that is giving me an experience I would not have been able to have at home. The CIS on site staff member, Maria, has been incredible, from the airport pick up, showing us around the city, emailing us to keep in touch, and keeping excursions organized. I couldn't have hoped for anything more from her support.

My only complaint about this program is that the housing is not at all a comparative value with what the price was. Otherwise, I am incredibly happy with my experience so far. It has given been wonderful friends, and so many experiences and memories to hold on to for a lifetime.

How can this program be improved?

The only thing that I would change about the program is the housing / accommodation. Don't get me wrong - it's a great location with super easy access to transportation and the city but it does not really meet the needs of interns - it would be better suited for students studying abroad because it is a 5 minute walk to the University of Sydney. As an intern, I work from 9 am to 5 pm which is normal - except it takes me 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to work, and sometimes 2 hours to get home (this is a lot of time but also A LOT of money). In Sydney it is winter which means that the sun starts to get around 4:45, before I even get out of work. The accommodation is also in a horribly lit area (it is so dark when I get home) that I find myself spending even more money on buses because I do not feel safe walking home in the dark. I really wish CIS could have found housing just a little bit closer to my job.
My other complaint about the accommodation is that is it above a bar so at night it tends to get a little loud. This is not ideal do to the fact that I try to get to bed early since I have to wake up at 6 am if I want to have a sufficient breakfast and be well prepared for the busy day ahead of me. I often find it difficult to fall asleep because we can hear everything that happens in the bar - even when the windows are closed.

Housing is a big part of the what makes up an experience abroad and I believe that my experience would be even better if the housing conditions were different.

Response from CISabroad

Thanks so much for providing such valuable feedback, Christina! We're glad to hear you're having such a rewarding experience, despite an inconvenient housing arrangement. Ideally, we would love to be able to offer housing close to each of our participants' internship host organizations; however, the timelines for sourcing a suitable internship placement and for securing housing don't oftentimes allow us to align those two factors. It's great to hear you appreciate so much else about your program!

By CISabroad on July 17, 2018

I had an amazing time interning in Sydney, Australia. If it wasn’t for CISAbroad I wouldn’t have been able to fly halfway across the world and meet my amazing friends that I encountered in Australia. I have amazing memories and travel experiences that branched from my internship. The food was great, the tours were great, the living conditions were better than expected and traveling was something easily accessible and very economic. Sydney is amazing and I highly recommend this program to others. 10/10 I would recommend because I wouldn’t change these memories for anything! I will be coming back to Sydney!

How can this program be improved?

I believe if CISAbroad hadn’t used Australian Internships it would’ve run more smoothly.

About CISabroad

CISabroad is committed to providing the best overall value in study and internship abroad opportunities. CISabroad programs are affordable and specialize in providing quality education and support throughout your study or internship abroad experience...

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