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Sydney, Australia

Summer - Internship

Full-Time Internship
Length:
Summer

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment

Credits:

3 or 6 per Summer

Primary Spoken Language(s):

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

An IES internship develops your professional skills, your ability to communicate across cultures, and provides substantive work experience to jump-start your career in today’s competitive job market. You’ll be guaranteed an unpaid internship placement at a local business or organization, where you’ll work up to 35 hours a week. IES Abroad Sydney interns have been placed in an array of industries and work settings, including social media marketing for a surfing company at Bondi Beach, blogging about the best in Sydney food, art and fashion for a leading PR firm, and interning for the city’s film festival. 

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Prepare Your Application

We help you to fine-tune your résumé and perfect your cover letter.

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Learn About the Workplace

Hone their communication and interview skill.

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Customized Placements

We help to find you a placement aligning with your goals.

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Learn from Past Interns

Our past interns are here to help you.

Internship Program Advisor

Natalie Jones headshot

Natalie Jones

Once you’ve applied for an internship, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From field placements to housing and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare for your internship. Once you’re accepted to your internship, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300  ✉️ internships@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

Sydney Bridge and Opera House at sunset

Why Sydney?

Much more than a stunning location, Sydney is one of the world’s most multicultural cities - an international fusion of culture, languages, and ideas with nearly five million residents. Sydney is both energetic and engaging, a hub for innovation across a number of industries. An IES internship develops your professional skills, your ability to communicate across cultures, and provides substantive work experience to jump-start your career in today’s competitive job market.

Learn More About Sydney

Get to Know Your New City

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Visit Barangaroo

Enjoy a meal by the waterfront in this unique inner-city suburb.

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Stroll the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Capture magnificent views of the Opera House and Circular Quay. 

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Walk from Bondi to Coogee

Prepare for stunning views, beaches, parks, and cliffs.

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Watch a Show at the Opera House

Treat yourself to one of many spectacular performances.

The Student Experience

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Housing

A student stands in their UNSW Shalom College student room, with a bed, a desk, and a bathroom.
  • Apartment

Apartment

Live in a two-bedroom apartment in a multi-unit apartment building. You will share your two-bedroom apartment with 3 IES Abroad roommates, sharing one of the two bedrooms with one of those roommates. Meals are not included/provided but there is a kitchen in the apartment in which to prepare meals.

Academics

While your priority may be gaining professional experience, we also know how important it is to build community where you can reflect and learn about the work world with other students. That's why--during your semester--we offer placements in a wide range of disciplines, and a supplemental required 3-credit seminar.  

Before you go, we work with you to fine-tune your résumé, perfect your cover letter, and hone your communication and interview skills as we prepare you for working in a new cultural environment. You’ll be guaranteed a placement at a local business or organization that fits your professional interests.

To supplement the real-life work experience you'll receive during your internship, you will also participate in a required 3-credit internship seminar. You should work with your current college or university to learn about how this credit will transfer back to your school. 

Placement Examples

a business student walking in Milan

Business

Work for a business representing the interest of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes.

a student plays rock, paper, scissors with children in Cape Town

Charities & Nonprofits

Help improve the employability of women in need by providing free  career development tools.

a studio audience behind a camera in Milan

Media & Communications

Work for a production company specializing in film, video, animation, and multimedia projects 

Courses

While working in Sydney, you'll also enroll in a required 3- or 6-credit academic internship seminar with other IES interns, where you'll gain context for your internship placement by examining cultural issues in the workplace.

Topics covered include understanding workplace culture, improving communication, strengthening work attitude and aptitude, resolving conflicts, understanding new cultures, and navigating issues, challenges, and opportunities so you can succeed on the job in Sydney and when you return home.

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

Learn More
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Field Trips

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. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

Students standing underneath a waterfall on a sunny day.

Blue Mountains & Featherdale Wildlife Park

1 Day Fall, Spring, & Summer

Hike in the Blue Mountains and enjoy a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park.

Internship Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Summer 2024

Tuition
$
5,178
Housing
$
2,829
Insurance
$
135
Total
$
8,142

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

Learn More
Two students snorkel in the ocean.

About the IES Abroad Center

The Center staff are highly trained local professionals provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.  

The IES Abroad Sydney staff are located in Chatswood, a business and residential neighborhood in the Lower North Shore of Sydney. IES Abroad Sydney staff are readily available to connect with you on your academic, housing, and life experiences. 

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Sydney
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Sydney. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
On-Site Staff Support
Our experienced, trained, and dedicated local staff are on-site throughout your entire program to ensure you have the support you need during your abroad adventure.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore and discover Sydney before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin your internship with activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, reflective coursework, and support from our dedicated student staff.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Summer 2024

Program Dates:

May 30 - July 28

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age
  • In good standing at your home school
  • 2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • At least sophomore standing prior to application; rising junior status at time of program departure. (Students who have completed one year of undergraduate study may apply and will be considered on a case-by-base basis.)
  • Students must be enrolled in a full-time degree program, or a graduate intending to begin their internship no more than 12 months after their graduation date (solid academic credentials related to studies or experience in desired field of placement required); graduate students enrolled in a full-time degree program may apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
  • Non-U.S. citizens must refer to their local consulate to learn about visa requirements and determine eligibility; IES Internships cannot advise on visa regulations for non-U.S. citizens.
  • Students must be eligible for the Australian Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) or the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417). To check eligibility, visit the Austrlian Immigration website for the Work and Holiday Visa (462) or the Working Holiday Visa (417).
  • Non-U.S. citizens attending U.S. schools: Native English fluency or test scores demonstrating English proficiency, including IELTS scores of 6.0 or above or TOEFL certificate with a score of 500 or above for paper or 60 or above for internet.
  • Non-U.S. citizens attending school outside the U.S.: Native English fluency or IELTS score of 6.0 or above, taken within the last two years.
    • Visit the IELTS website to find a test location near you. IES Abroad reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept students who it believes do not have the necessary English language competency to succeed in an Internship Program, irrespective of the applicant's score on a language proficiency exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

Contact an Ambassador
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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

Apply Now
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