Pitt in Sydney - Summer

 

Whether you are just looking to take classes abroad or take classes alongside an internship, Pitt in Sydney offers you what you need.
 
Sydney is a breathtaking, exciting, and culturally rich Global City. With more than 120 nationalities living here, Sydney is one of the largest multi-cultural cities in the world. You can enjoy cuisine from around the globe and take part in annual international celebrations such as Buddha's Birthday, Multicultural Festival, and Chinese New Year.
 
You will take a trip across the Harbor Bridge every day as you commute from your apartment in the Waterloo neighborhood of the city to classes and your optional part-time internship. Whatever your interests and course of study, Pitt in Sydney has an internship for you.  In fact, we guarantee it.
 
What You'll Accomplish: 
As an engaged and active participant in this program, you will have the opportunity to:
  • Explore the rich and diverse culture and history of Sydney, and Australia, and analyze current political, economic and social challenges the country is facing
  • Advance your intercultural communication skills and develop deeper understanding of opportunities and challenges that globalization brings to the academic and professional environments 
  • Acquire real-world professional skills through internship, which is a great way to enhance your classroom experience and your resume

Intercultural Learning Objectives:

  • Develop cultural self-awareness and knowledge of cultural worldview frameworks (Knowledge);
  • Develop an understanding of cultural differences in verbal and nonverbal communication styles and learn to successfully adapt in various presented cultural contexts (Skills);
  • Develop the ability to engage and learn from perspectives and experiences different from one’s own (Skills);
  • Learn to exercise curiosity and openness in interactions with other cultures (Attitudes);
  • Develop transferrable and personal leadership skills (Skills, Attitudes). 

Learning objectives are based on the AAC&U VALUE rubrics for Global Learning and Intercultural Knowledge and Competence

Tourists come to Sydney for the Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House.  Sure, you’ll get to see these sights, and you might even hold a koala, but you will come to know Sydney for so much more.  As the economic capital of Australia, Sydney attracts people from across the globe, making it a diverse city.  You will meet your fair share of Sydney-siders, but don’t be surprised to make friends from countries far and wide.
 
Oh, and kangaroos.  We can’t forget about the kangaroos.
 
Where You'll Live: 
Part of the experience is to live like a Sydneysider. You will live in shared apartments spread across the city. While apartments are as varied as the city itself and no two residence are alike, all of them are located in safe neighborhoods and secure buildings. 
 
You can expect the following:
  • Shared bedrooms (2 or 3 students/bedroom)
  • Bedding
  • Shared bathroom
  • Shared kitchen 
  • Internet access
  • Coin operated laundry 
Please note that meals are not included in the program fee.
 
Regardless of where you live, you can expect up to an hour commute to both the CAPA Center and your internship (door-to-door). Transit pass for travel on the busses/trains/light rails is included in the program fee.
You will receive your address, roommate information, and neighborhood description about 2 weeks before your departure for Sydney.
 
If apartment living does not appeal to you, homestays are also an option.  Email your Pitt program manager for more information. 
 
We do our best to provide the most accurate information about housing and amenities but due to the nature of the locations in which we offer programs and limited availability, these items are subject to change.  Contact your program manager with any questions.
 
What You'll Study: 

The courses offered in Sydney allow you to study the subjects you need within an Australian context. Each course on Pitt in Sydney is worth 3 credits, and you have the opportunity to take 6 credits during the semester. Doing an internship? Remember that it counts as one class.

If you are seeking to count these courses towards a major, minor or certificate requirement, please meet with your respective advisor to discuss the program and what the courses will fulfill for you. 

International Internship - Summer (ARTSC1899)

This is a part-time internship (20 hours per week). In addition, you will attend weekly discussion-led sessions that include educational support and mentoring in a classroom environment, develop personal and professional skills, and learn to contextualize your internship experience socially and culturally. You will receive 3 credits for this course.

Australian Cinema (ENGFLM1391)

This course examines contemporary Australian cinema and its attempt to describe a uniquely Australian identity. The course thus has two interrelated points of inquiry. First, we will attempt to appreciate the context of Australian cinema – from modes of production to distribution. Second, the course will investigate the notion of an Australian identity as it is expressed in some of the most significant films in the Australian tradition. We will look at Australian genre cinema, the 70s Renaissance and recent transformations in the Australian film industry. The course will focus specifically on the theme of national identity and the growing debates around what constitutes a national cinema. Indeed, a question to be explored is the extent to which Australian films have reflected or determined Australian values. Comparisons with appropriate U.S. values and films are encouraged. 

People, Place, and Culture: Environmental Debates in Australia, NZ, and the Pacific (GEOL1314)

This course is offered only during the spring and summer terms.

This course explores the multi-faceted dimensions of human interaction with diverse environments in Australia , New Zealand and the Pacific to illuminate the origins of environmental concerns and current debates in these regions from pre-European contact to now. From the peopling of the Pacific to the challenge of climate change, this course is broad in its scope while concentrating selected issues such as the impact of mining, clean energy futures, our vulnerability to natural disasters and increasing urbanization. In so doing, the intersection of culture and nature is explored. The course is embedded in the environmental humanities , but uses the approaches of environmental history, as well as insights from the disciplines of science, politics, sociology and cultural studies.

Analyzing and Exploring the Global City - Sydney (URBNST1414)

This course is designed to encourage students to engage in a critical analysis of the development of modern cities, in particular Sydney. It will trace Sydney's development from a "colonial outpost" into the "thriving metropolis" it is today. The course will examine how the forces of colonization, migration, modernization and globalization have affected the city and its inhabitants. Students will gain insights into the changing dynamics and identities of its inhabitants, and will also look at the forces which have shaped Sydney's relationship with the rest of the world. The course is organized thematically, with each theme examining different aspects of the city. It begins with an introduction to the city, then a discussion of Sydney as a colonial city, moving into an analysis of its identities, impact of migration and finally its commerce, cityscape and urban future. The course ultimately intends to help students contextualize their travels and encounters in the city, and will help them develop informed interpretations of Sydney while they are here.

International Internship - SCI (SCIXXXX)

This is a part-time internship (20 hours per week). In addition, you will attend weekly discussion-led sessions that include educational support and mentoring in a classroom environment, develop personal and professional skills, and learn to contextualize your internship experience socially and culturally. You will receive 3 credits for this course.

Experiential Learning Description: 
More than 75% of students who study abroad with Pitt in Sydney complete an internship and with good reason.  Whether your post-graduation plans include entering the workforce, going to graduate school, or pursuing a different path, professional work experience abroad will always serve you well.
 
Internships in Sydney include 20 hours of work per week, not including commuting time.  In addition to your time in the workplace, you will meet with your peers and faculty for internship seminars that will help you get the most out of your experience.  Internships are always unpaid, always for three credits, and always pass/fail.
 
You can sign up for an internship regardless of your major as a part of the application process.  Keep in mind that you will not know what your internship placement is until 14 days before departure.  While this may seem like a long time to wait, keep in mind that our partners are searching for an internship just for you. Your past experiences, coursework, and desired placements areas are all taken into account.  This kind of personalized service takes time but is well worth the wait. 
 
Please note that internships are available for students in their second semester of sophomore year or higher.  
 

Pitt runs this program in partnership with CAPA: The Global Education Network. For more than 45 years CAPA has worked with institutions of higher education to build programs that meet students’ goals for learning abroad. The CAPA Sydney Center is hosted at TAFE NSW Sydney Institute, in a beautiful centrally located heritage building.

Pitt Study Abroad also sends a faculty member from the Pittsburgh campus to teach and serve as a go-to for students.

Your Pitt Study Abroad Contacts: 

Kelsey Sobecki

Hello! I’m Kelsey, Program Manager for Arts & Sciences students. I am a native Pittsburgher and studied abroad in Rome, Italy as an undergraduate at Duquesne University, and received my Master’s degree at University College Dublin in Ireland. I have been in the field of International Education for 10 years, which includes time spent living and working on-site with study abroad students in both Rome and Dublin. I am so excited to support Pitt students in their study abroad journey! Please feel free to reach out to me at kls299@pitt.edu or make an appointment to start planning your global experience!

 

Items Billed by Pitt

  In-State Out-of-State
Tuition $4,938 $5,138
Program Fee $4,361 $4,361
Study Abroad Fee $300 $300
Total Billed by Pitt$ $9,599 $9,799

Estimated Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs

Airfare ~$2,000
Visa ~$150
Personal Expenses $1,500 - $3,000

Remember that your lifestyle and spending choices can greatly affect the amount of money you'll need while abroad. Visit our Budgeting page for more information.

 

What's Included: 

As a part of your Pitt in Sydney program fee, the following are included in the program:

  • Tuition for 6 credits
  • Housing
  • Orientation in Sydney
  • Cultural Events and Activities
  • An Unlimited Transit Pass
  • Excursions to Blue Mountains and Australia Walkabout Park
  • Health Insurance
  • Membership to the ACU Student Union