Study in Sydney - Study Abroad Programs, Universities & City Information

Study Abroad in Sydney...

Sydney, the cultural capital of Australia, is one of the most romanticized, alluring cities in the world. From the iconic sails of The Sydney Opera House, to the Harbour Bridge, affectionately known as 'The Coathanger', to the beautiful seascapes at Bondi Beach, to the majestic Blue Mountains in the west, Sydney is a cultural, metropolitan, and nature-rich beacon nestled deep in the heart of Oceania.

Sydney's history goes back somewhere between 30,000 and 50,000 years, when it was first occupied by Australian Aborigines. It did not become "modernized" until Europeans, led by James Cook, discovered the area in 1770. In 1788, Arthur Philip, commanding a fleet commissioned by Baron Sydney, named the area Sydney Cove in honor of the Baron. Later, the 'Cove' was dropped, and the harbor-side city became officially known as Sydney.

In addition to its stunning landscapes, magnificent mountains and world-renowned beaches, Sydney houses some truly beloved cultural institutions including the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, which attracts international exhibitions, and Taronga Zoo, where the giraffes have a multi-million dollar harbor view.

Anyone who has experienced a fireworks celebration on Sydney Harbor would attest to the fact that Sydneysiders like their fireworks big and bold, with no expense spared. New Year's Eve fireworks are a world class exhibition in pyrotechnics and Sydney consistently leads the world's top cities in bringing in the new year with a bang.

Australia's oldest and largest city, Sydney is also the country's economic headquarters with one of the largest financial futures and options exchanges in the Asia Pacific. Sydney is the regional headquarters to more than 500 global corporations operating in the Asia Pacific region, such as IBM, Price Waterhouse Coopers and BT, and hosts 25-30% of Australia's total economic activity. Business etiquette tends to fall in line with the true blue Australian 'work hard, play hard' maxim, with the weekend frequently beginning at midday Friday. That being said, it is also not uncommon to see Sydney workers laboring into the wee hours of the night or over weekends to finish projects by their deadline.

Australians are well known internationally for their love of sports, so no student should miss attending at least one rugby or cricket match. Just be prepared to call out "Oi! Oi! Oi!" in response to the war cry "Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!" or you'll be spotted instantly as a foreigner! The annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is also a grand spectacle if you're in town right after Christmas, with thousands of boats lining up under the Harbour Bridge ready to race their way down to the southern tip of Tasmania.

These highlights, in addition to its well-respected universities, provide numerous opportunities for the students who have made Sydney home. Though many students take advantage of Sydney's well-known environmental programs, they will also find a wide variety of course offerings, enabling students to pursue everything from conceptual physics to Asian languages to veterinary medicine. As classes are conducted in English, students need not worry about language barriers and attend classes alongside Aussie students. Additionally, students readily identify with Australian culture, adapting easily while appreciating its distinctiveness.

Indeed, an education in Sydney-even if it is merely for a semester or two-is likely to enrich your life in ways that would not be possible elsewhere.

The benefits of studying and living in Sydney as a student are, indeed, far greater than you likely imagined. A truly multicultural city, Sydney's indigenous, European and Asian influences make the city rich with diversity. Its urban infrastructure and deep well of cultural, athletic and historical traditions create a wholly contemporary and enriching experience, no matter how long or short of a time you stay. Though its famously laid-back "g'day mate" attitude is perfectly conducive to the college lifestyle, the numerous activities available entice students to make the most of their time there. Simply put, Sydney is one of the best places in the world to consider studying abroad. In all the right ways, you will be a changed person for having studied there. And that's what a true college experience is all about.

ONLINE RESOURCES
Study in Australia (Australian Education International): http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/us
The University of Sydney, Australia: http://www.usyd.edu.au/
University of Technology, Sydney: http://www.uts.edu.au/
City of Sydney: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/
Sydney Australia: http://www.sydneyaustralia.com/
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: http://www.iie.org/gilman
National Security Education Program: http://www.iie.org/NSEP