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Academics
IES Abroad’s mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with Macquarie University.
Macquarie University
If getting involved and making friends with Aussie students are high on your study abroad to-do list, Macquarie University is the choice for you. Founded in 1967, Macquarie takes pride in its commitment to innovation, hands-on learning, and global leadership. Its student body—with more than 30,000 students, including almost 9,000 international students—is one of the most diverse in Australia, and internationalization is a core component of the University’s mission.
Macquarie University fancies itself as Australia’s “innovative university.” The University’s commitment to innovation is reflected in many community-based interdisciplinary opportunities. The University is known for research in such areas as Mathematics, Computing & Information Technology, Genes & Ecosystems, Cognitive Sciences, Management & Finance, Earth & Planetary Geosciences, Linguistics, and Social Theory. The University’s Research and Development Park has led the way in Macquarie’s strong connection with the Australian and international business communities.
You can also build community leadership skills through the University’s popular Global Leadership Program.
With seven divisions containing hundreds of disciplines, the academic experience at Macquarie is defined by diversity and breadth. Macquarie’s commitment to breaking down academic barriers is evident in its interdisciplinary programs, including Environmental Studies, Media & Cultural Studies, Geophysics, and Human Geography.
Courses
Macquarie offers a wide variety of programs with special strengths in Business & Commerce, the Sciences, and Social Psychology. Most IES Abroad students take Level Two courses, which may require certain prerequisites.
Classes at Macquarie are called “units” and each unit is worth a designated number of credit points. Most Macquarie courses are worth 3 credit points and are equivalent to 4 IES Abroad credits. You carry at least 16 IES Abroad credits, which is equal to 12 Macquarie credit points.
The following disciplines are available to IES Abroad students. For more specific course descriptions, visit Macquarie University's handbook. Keep in mind that “courses” may refer to a course of study (ie. Bachelor of Arts in Psychology), and “units of study” may refer to specific classes.
| AREAS OF INTEREST | DISCIPLINES |
|---|---|
|
Business, Commerce, Economics, Finance, & Statistics |
• Accounting |
|
Computing, Engineering, & Electronics |
• Computer Science |
|
Education |
• Education (Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary) |
|
Humanities |
• Ancient History |
|
Law (100-level Courses only) |
• Business |
|
Medical, Health, Speech & Hearing, and Chiropractic Studies |
• Health |
|
Sciences |
• Astronomy & Astrophysics |
|
Society, Culture, Media & Philosophy |
• Creative Arts |
Global Leadership Program
This non-credit-bearing program helps you build leadership skills, gain cross-cultural experience, and enhance your resume. The program is also a great way to form meaningful friendships with Australian students.
In order to complete the certificate program, you must attend five colloquia (lectures) throughout your time in Australia (from a choice of 25–30 offered each semester).Topics may include:
- Leadership
- Cross-Cultural Understanding
- Business Etiquette
- Aboriginal Australia
- Terrorism & Counterterrorism
Once the five colloquia are successfully completed, you receive a certificate, a reference letter, and a GLP transcript detailing each of the colloquia attended.
Committing to the program also makes you eligible to participate in the Global Leadership Symposiums (Learning Tours), which usually run twice a semester.
In the past, GLP students have traveled to locations such as Canberra (Australia’s capital city) and various regions throughout Asia. Please note that these symposiums may clash with the optional IES Abroad mid-semester field trip to the Great Barrier Reef, and are not paid for by IES Abroad.
For more information, visit Macquarie University's Global Leadership Program page.
Volunteer Work
Macquarie also offers a range of volunteer opportunities for study abroad students that will allow you to get further involved in the local culture while making a difference to the community in which you live. The volunteer program has opportunities for involvement with environmental groups, indigenous Australians, and community services. Details of these opportunities are available on the university's PACE Program page.
Location
Located 11 miles from central Sydney, Macquarie University gives you access to big-city culture and a self-contained campus environment. Set within spacious, beautifully-landscaped parklands, the campus has a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. A train system enables you to get to the heart of downtown Sydney in 45-50 minutes with trains leaving every 15 minutes.
Courses
Advising & Support
Even though you’re directly enrolling in one of our partner universities, we’re here for you whenever you need us.
Advising
Choosing and directly enrolling in courses abroad can be confusing and overwhelming. This is why we offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to your needs. Our goal is to provide support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process.
But our advising services don’t stop there. While you’re in Sydney, our staff is available to help you transition into your new home.
Support
The support services we offer IES Abroad direct enrollment students are specifically designed to help you achieve your study abroad goals as effectively and smoothly as possible. We know studying abroad is an adventure, and, at times, you may need help or just someone to talk to—that’s why our staff will be there for you.
On-Site Staff
Whether you have questions about academic requirements, housing, or well-being and safety, our Sydney-based IES Abroad staff is available to fully support you. Because of our close relationship with the universities in Sydney, IES Abroad is also able to offer you unique academic, social, and cultural opportunities. Our staff in Sydney will accompany you throughout orientation, as well as at the IES Abroad field trips and cultural events.
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Sydney, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. Here are a few possible destinations:
Kakadu and Top End Tour
5 Days
Take a mid-semester trip to Kakadu and the Top End, to see one of the world's best kept national parks. Spend time in Darwin, Australia's most Northern City before heading out to Kakadu National Park where we will discover magnificent landscapes, waterfalls, and rich Aboriginal culture. With everything from Jumping Crocodiles to discovering the beautiful Mindil Beach Markets, this subsidized trip (this trip is partially subsidized by IES Abroad; you are responsible for a portion of the costs) will show you a bit of Australia that is so unique and special, you will never forget.
Featherdale Wildlife & Blue Mountains
1 Day
Hike in the Blue Mountains and enjoy a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park.
Royal National Park
1 Day
Explore the second-oldest national park in the world, full of fascinating plants, birds, and animals.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Sydney is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to exciting destinations—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
IES Abroad Orientation
Our orientation program is a dynamic, hands-on introduction to Australian culture and living in Sydney. Orientation includes sessions on academic transition, safety and security, and cultural adjustment.
Past highlights have included a boat cruise in Sydney Harbour. This is followed by a day-long hiking trip to the Blue Mountains, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are well-known for their canyons, rock formations, and rainforests, and for being home to Aboriginal communities.
Additionally, CORE™, IES Abroad’s Comprehensive Orientation & Re-entry Experience, begins during orientation and continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on cultural adjustment, goal achievement, and preparing for the return home.
University Orientation
In addition to the IES Abroad orientation, you take part in the international student orientation at Macquarie University. This program provides official academic orientation that further introduces you to the facilities and offerings at Macquarie. You finalize your enrollments and also have the opportunity to discuss course offerings one-on-one with a University advisor.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Sydney, it will feel like home.
As part of IES Abroad’s direct enrollment services, we offer well-located, comfortable housing for all students because securing housing independently can be challenging. IES Abroad’s housing options reflect the local student culture and meet our safety and security standards.
Dunmore Lang Residential College – Dunmore Lang is home to about 130 students (co-ed), both Aussie and international, and is located on Macquarie’s campus. You live in a furnished single bedroom, which includes a study desk and closet, with shared bathroom facilities.
The college offers free wireless Internet access, a computer room with printing facilities, a dining hall where you enjoy a full meal plan (three meals per day), student lounges and common rooms, a reading/study room, access to RAs and tutors, as well as full gym membership for all residents. Located just one block away from the train station, the college is also near a shopping center with cafés, shops, restaurants, movie theaters, an ice-skating rink, and more. Owing to the full meal plan, Dunmore Lang carries an additional fee. Please see the pricing sheet under Costs for more information.
Dunmore Lang offers a unique residential, academic, and social community, with senior staff who oversee student life. Past IES Abroad students have expressed a deep appreciation for the cultural immersion and sense of community. You are encouraged to be part of the college community, and participate in college traditions, social events, and activities. For more information, visit www.dunmorelangcollege.nsw.edu.au.
Macquarie University Village - Macquarie University Village (MUV) is located on the university’s main campus. Constructed in 2000, MUV was not only built to house students, but also Olympians for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. There are three different styles of apartments and townhouses that are divided into the East and West sides of the village.
Each apartment has a private porch or balcony, a kitchen, bathrooms, and single bedrooms that are lockable. Meals are not included. Space is limited, and if given a space in MUV, you likely have a single bedroom in a five-bedroom apartment, shared with international and Australian students. Apartments are typically mixed-gender, unless otherwise requested.
MUV also has a driving range, food court, and bar, and is near the Macquarie University Sports Association Gym & Pool and Macquarie Centre, which has an ice rink, movie theater, and shops. MUV is a 30-minute walk to the train station that links the campus to downtown Sydney. For further information about MUV, visit www.macquarieuv.com.au.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Redefine the way you live and learn in Sydney through our cultural events, such as:
- Taking surfing lessons
- Enjoying a dinner cruise in Darling Harbour
- Taking a field trip to Royal National Park
- Attending an Aussie Rules football game
- Celebrating the semester with a farewell dinner in downtown Sydney
University Clubs & Events
While you’re in Sydney, be sure to join a social or sports club-they're a great way to meet local students. Integrate into the local student culture through full access to university clubs, recreational facilities, and events that Macquarie University has to offer.
For a list of student groups you can join, visit the Students At Macquarie website. For information on sports opportunities, visit the SAM Active page.
Get to Know Your New City
Enjoy a meal by the waterfront in this unique inner-city suburb.
From lamingtons to Tim Tam slams, there's bound to be a dessert you'll love.
Capture magnificant views of the Opera House and Circular Quay.
Prepare for stunning views, beaches, parks, and cliffs on this 6 km (3.37 miles) coastal walk in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
Treat yourself to one of many spectacular performances at Sydney's most iconic venue.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$5 Million in Financial Aid
Our Center
The IES Abroad office is located in Surry Hills, an inner suburb of Sydney. It is immediately adjacent to the city center, known as the Central Business District, or CBD. At just a few blocks from Sydney’s central rail station, it is well connected to the rest of the city and surrounding areas. Commuting time, by bus, to the University of Sydney campus is 15 minutes and to the UNSW campus 20 minutes. The Macquarie campus is 45-55 minutes away by public transportation.
Our Staff
Kate Smart
Center Director
Kate Smart has been the Director of the Sydney programs since 2016. Kate has over 15 years of experience in International Education, including senior Study Abroad roles at Macquarie University, the University of Sydney, and University of New South Wales.
Kate has lived and worked in the United States and studied abroad in Thailand and Jamaica. She has a Master of Arts in International Studies from the University of Technology, Sydney, and a Master of Education in International Education from Monash University. Kate loves sharing her knowledge of the city (and the rest of Australia) with new students, from her favorite beaches to swim at to the best place to grab a great flat white.
IES Abroad Staff
Internship and Student Services Coordinator
Sian Viney
Latest from Sydney
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