Policies and Procedures
You’re in! This Pre-Departure Page is your “one stop shop” for all the program-related information you will need to prepare for your program.
Check this page regularly! Information will be updated throughout the semester.
To stay on track, use the self-check at the end of each phase.
Your main point of contact is your Program Manager, Megan. You can find additional contacts such as on-site staff in the contact section.
Get to know the place you’ll be calling home for the next semester – including cultural customs, academic differences and daily life – in the “In-Country Guide”.
———– START PHASE ONE ———–
Part 1 of US Citizen Visa Required Paperwork: Due SEPT 23
All students will need a visa in order to participate in the Sydney programs. U.S. Citizens participating in the Sydney Internship Program will apply for the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408). Please do not apply to this visa until the visa workshop in Phase 2. The documents below are the first step of the visa process. You can find more information about the visa process in Phase 2.
Step 1 – Submit required forms to BU Sydney, busydney@bu.edu and your program manager, mdebolt@bu.edu, by September 23.
- Copy of your complete 956A Form. (Follow This Sample)
- Copy of completed Form 1283. Follow this sample. After these two forms have been submitted and reviewed by Sydney staff, your Program Manager will provide you with your 956A and 1283 forms signed by the Sydney Program Director as well as the completed form 1284.
You will not be able to complete your visa application without these forms, so please be mindful of the due date.
Submit Your Internship Questionnaire: DUE OCT 4
You will submit your Internship Questionnaire and Australian CV (Résumé) in your Applicant Portal.
- Complete the Internship Questionnaire HERE
- Australian CV (Resume): Follow these Instructions and Sample CV. You will need to upload your Australian CV as part of the Internship Questionnaire. NOTE: you must upload your CV as a Microsoft Word Document (not a PDF or other document).
The Placement Process:
Please review the Internship Overview & Placement Process Document.
All students are guaranteed an internship in your general track, but students must be flexible and open to a range of possibilities. Placements are contingent upon the student’s past experiences, academic history, and professional interests, as well as the availability of placements in any given semester.
The Sydney program staff includes internship advisors, who have many years of experience placing students, maintaining relationships with existing providers, and seeking out new providers. You will be assigned an advisor who will work closely with you, and place you in an internship that aligns with your experience and coursework. It’s important for you to remain flexible and open-minded during the placement process.
In most cases, you will not speak to your internship advisor until you arrive in Sydney. That’s normal! Rest assured that before you arrive, they will be working with the materials you’ve provided to begin the placement process, and as soon as you land in Sydney you’ll be able to meet with them.
Here are some key points:
- Communicate. You will provide your internship interests via the Internship Form submitted on your Applicant Portal. This will be your internship advisor’s first point of reference as the placement process begins, so be sure to complete it on time, carefully and thoughtfully.
- Think Broadly. When thinking about your placement, identify the kinds of skills and activities you would like to work on, rather than just focusing on a particular company name. The internship is an academic and cultural experience; it’s not meant to be a purely pre-professional one.
- Know What to Expect. Australia does not have the same unpaid internship culture that the U.S. does. The internship providers are often small companies and organizations. These factors can work in your favor—an Australian internship provider may be more willing to give a student intern more responsibility, especially if the intern rises to the occasion.
In Sydney, you and your advisor will determine which internship appears to be the best fit, and arrange an interview with that organization. You will not have multiple interviews or “shop” for a placement. Most often, the placement process ends after the interview, and the internship begins. It’s important to communicate a lot with your advisor during the placement process, because once you begin your internship, you can’t quit or change placements.
Beginning Your Internship:
More information on your internship, including the schedule, the academic components, and expectations will be provided during the on-site orientation in Sydney. In the meantime, here are some important considerations as you mentally prepare:
Don’t Compare. There’s no such thing as the “best” internship; what’s good for one student may not be good for another. Don’t waste your time and energy getting caught up on comparing your placement to your roommate’s, or anyone else’s; you are matched with your placement based on your interests and qualifications, and those are different from anyone else’s.
Trust your advisor and Remember Your Academic Lens. You will be receiving course credit and a grade for your internship. This means you will be thinking critically about the organization, and producing academic work based on your time there. The internship is sort of like the field work for your course, so any inefficiencies or things you dislike are really part of building your academic view of the experience.
Submit Your Housing Questionnaire: Due in your Applicant Portal
You will submit your Housing Questionnaire in your Applicant Portal.
Please note, this form requires you to upload a recent passport-style photo for your student ID card. The photo must:
- Be an image of your entire upper-body from above your head down to your shoulders
- Be against a plain white wall.
- We accept photos you have taken on your smartphone, but the image must be a high-quality JPG file (at least 200 dpi).
- The name of the file should be your full name in the format “Last name, First name”.
Photos that do not meet these requirements will not be accepted.
Please email busydney@bu.edu if you need to make any changes to these forms after you’ve submitted them. Housing assignments will be made upon arrival in Sydney. For more info, please check the Living Arrangements section of the Sydney website.
Review Flight and Arrival Information and Book Your Flight: NOV 30
Flight Information
Each semester, we work with Advantage Travel to offer an optional group flight, round-trip from the USA to Sydney. The cost of the group flight is not included in the program fee. Students are not required to take the group flight, however all students are required to submit a round-trip itinerary for our records. Keep in mind that late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
Why should I book a spot on the group flight?
Each semester, we work with Advantage Travel to offer an optional group flight, round-trip from Los Angeles, CA to Sydney. Although airfare is not included in the cost of the program, all travel booked through Advantage Travel will be monitored by the travel agency on the day of departure, and they will be able to assist with any schedule changes, delays, or missed connections. The flight also allows you to travel with other students from the program. Students are not required to take the group flight, however, all students are required to submit a round-trip itinerary for our records using the independent flight form in phase 2. If you plan to book an independent flight please keep in mind that late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
How do I reserve a seat on the group flight?
Specific booking instructions and detailed group flight itineraries will be emailed directly to students.
What if I need to book a connecting flight to the departure city?
If you will be traveling from elsewhere prior to the group flight, Advantage Travel can also assist you with reserving a flight to the departure city.
What if I want to arrange my own travel?
If you prefer to travel independently from the group, you are welcome to do so. You can make a reservation completely on your own or Advantage Travel can assist you with reservations from a different airport or on different dates. You must arrive by January 8 at 9AM and depart on April 30. Housing will not be provided before or after these dates, and late arrivals/early departures are not permitted. All students that book independent travel are required to submit the flight information to BU Study Abroad. Once you’ve confirmed your travel please complete our independent travel form in Phase 2 by DEC 1.
Arrival Information
Students on the group flight will be met by on-site staff upon arrival and transportation will be provided to the residence. If you make travel arrangements independent of the group, you should try to arrive at the same time as the group flight (or prior to it), so that you can meet the group at the airport and take the group transportation.
*Boston University Sydney does not provide transportation to the airport for the return flight from Australia to the US.
If you will be traveling independently and will be arriving after the group flight, you will be responsible for securing your own transportation to the residence.
Instructions for commuting to the residence center by taxi and other forms of public transportation will be sent via email a week prior to your departure for the program.
Complete the Phase 1 Self Check
Have you completed everything in Phase 1? Here is a self-check to make sure you’re on the right track. Make sure you’re keeping track of any upcoming deadlines and budgeting enough time to complete them on-time. If you missed a deadline, be sure to check in with your Program Manager and complete that task right away.
You should have completed:
- For US Citizens: Submit Visa Required Paperwork – DUE SEPT 23
- Submitted Internship Form (in applicant portal) – DUE OCT 4
- Submitted Housing Questionnaire (in applicant portal) – Due in Applicant Portal
- Booked Flight & Review Arrival Information – NOV 30
———– END PHASE ONE ———–
———– START PHASE TWO ———–
Health and Human Services Internship Students Only: Criminal Background Check: Apply by NOV 1
All students in the Health & Human Services Internship Track are required to get a background check. It may take several weeks to obtain the results of your background check, so please be sure to get started early. You should e-mail a scanned copy of your results to busydney@bu.edu by December 1 at the latest.
All BU students, and students within Massachusetts:
In Massachusetts, the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) is the official document that is issued when a background check is requested. All BU students, anyone with a Massachusetts mailing address, and students from other schools in Massachusetts, may use the CORI request form to obtain their police background check. Students can either apply online or by mail.
Applying Online Directions
Students must have a valid MA drivers license or ID to apply online. Students must then create an online account for the iCORI. Each person pursuing this option will register as an individual then follow the prompts. Please answer everything honestly.
Applying by Mail Directions
- CORI request form (follow this sample)
Directions if you are applying from BU Boston campus:
- Print out & complete the CORI request form
- Bring the form to be notarized – you will need to bring your passport to the notary
- Notary publics can be found at many banks, city/town halls, UPS stores, or a search in your browser of “notary near me.” If you’re on campus, you can go to the Dean of Students office during walk-in hours, or you can schedule an appointment by emailing: dos@bu.edu.
- A $25 bank check that must come from a local bank at which you have an account. If you can’t get a bank check, you can purchase a money order – which you can buy at most CVS stores or US Post Offices. It should be made payable to: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Submit the notarized form and bank check/money order to:
- Department of Criminal Justice Information Services 200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150
The results of your CORI request will be mailed to you at the address you provide on the form. The results will include a document stating “No CORI found.” This is what you want; it means you do not have a criminal record in Massachusetts. When you receive the results of your background check, please scan and email the confirmation to busydney@bu.edu.
Non-BU/Massachusetts Residents:
Students not living in Massachusetts will need to get a state background check from their state of residence, or where they attend school. Each state will have different processes and requirements. A background check from your state police department is generally acceptable. Please note that a document from your local police precinct is usually NOT enough. An alternate option for non-residents is to complete a Federal Background Check. This could be very timely and expensive, and it would have to be expedited.
Non-U.S. Citizens Review Visa Requirements & Apply for Visa: DUE OCT 1
Step 1: Determine your eligibility for the visa type that you need and apply by October 1. If you have any questions or need documents from BU, please contact your program manager.
- Passport holders from Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, Uruguay, and Vietnam are eligible to study with the BU Sydney Internship Program with a Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462).
- Please note that the Australian government currently limits the number of applications from the countries eligible for the subclass 462 visa, so it is possible that a cap for your country may have been met. Citizens of many countries listed will also need to meet certain education requirements in order to be eligible for the visa. Please review the education section on this page to confirm your eligibility.
- Some applicants will need to submit a letter of support from their government. If you are a passport holder from Ecuador, Greece, Indonesia, Luxembourg, Malaysia (Good Conduct Certificate), Mongolia, Peru, Poland, San Marino, Slovenia, Thailand, and Türkiye will be required to obtain a letter of support and submit it with their visa documents.
- Passport holders from Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, and the UK are eligible to study with the BU Sydney Internship Program with a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417).
- Passport holders from Australia do not need to apply for any additional immigration permission to study.
- Passport holders from New Zealand who are not permanent residents of Australia are eligible to apply for the free Special Category visa (subclass 444). This can be done upon arrival in Australia and will allow you to work and study in Australia for as long as you remain a citizen of New Zealand.
- If you do not hold a passport from any of the countries listed above, contact us immediately. Do not apply for a visa on your own.
Important Notes:
- Although these visas are valid for a period of one year, only four months may be spent studying, which limits most students to one semester of BU Study Abroad.
- Australian Work and Holiday and Working Holiday visas are only available to those under the age of 30 and are typically only granted to an individual once in their lifetime. In some rare cases, you may apply for the visa a second time, however, the requirements for this visa are usually not applicable to students who have previously studied in Australia.
Step 2 – Receive notification if visa is granted & Share with BU Sydney
- Australian visas are granted electronically, meaning you will NOT get a physical visa sticker in your passport.
- When your visa is granted, you will be notified via email, and you will want to print this email and keep it for your records. Your electronic visa is tied to your passport number, and will be verified upon your arrival in Australia.
- It is required to email both busydney@bu.edu and mdebolt@bu.edu the visa granted letter and confirm your name to prove your visa has been granted.
Step 3 – Print & Save Copy of visa confirmation
- Save a copy of your visa confirmation for your records
- We suggest printing a copy to bring with you when you travel to Australia, just in case.
Please Note: This information has been prepared by Boston University Study Abroad based on the most recent information provided by the relevant immigration agency (E.G. consulate, embassy, etc.). It is each student’s responsibility to compile and apply for their visa based on their specific citizenship. Visas are granted by foreign governments only, Boston University does not play a role in visa issuance, nor can we influence immigration policy. While we do our best to keep instructions as up-to-date as possible, visa requirements are subject to change without our knowledge. Ultimately obtaining a visa in a timely manner, and related costs incurred, are a student’s responsibility. Failure to acquire a visa will preclude participation in the program.
U.S. Citizens Apply for Visa: Due OCT 9
All students will need a visa in order to participate in the Sydney programs. U.S. Citizens participating in the Sydney Internship Program must apply for the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408).
A visa workshop was held on Tuesday October 2nd. During this recorded visa workshop we went through the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) visa application together. Please find the recorded workshop here . Students are encouraged to follow along the visa guide, visa example, and the visa workshop recording while filling out their visa application.
Step 1 – Due SEPT 23: Submit required forms to your program manager, Megan DeBolt:
- Copy of your complete 956A Form. Instructions in Phase 1.
- Copy of completed Form 1283. Instructions in Phase 1.
- After these two forms have been submitted and reviewed by Sydney staff, your Program Manager will provide you with your 956A and 1283 forms signed by the Sydney Program Director as well as the completed form 1284.
If you have not completed Step 1, please check the Initial Visa Paperwork tab in Phase 1.
Step 2 – Due OCT 9: Submit Online Visa Application for the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) Special Program stream
- Create or log in to ImmiAccount
- Start ‘New Application’
- Select the” Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) Special Program stream” application from the list.
- Follow the Visa Guide and Visa Example.
- Read and agree to the terms and conditions. Select ‘Save‘ so you can continue anytime.
- Attach supporting documents as instructed.
Step 3 – Attach and submit the following supporting documents :
- Qualifications, Skills and Experience, Evidence of: Your resume
- Identity, Evidence of: Digital scan of your driver’s license
- Personal Financial Status, Evidence of: A copy of your/a parent’s bank statement with $2,000+(must be an official statement on bank letterhead)
- Travel Document: Digital scan of you ID and Signature pages
The following required documents will be added to your Applicant Portal (Documents tab) by your Program Manager as they are available:
- 956A Form. Completed by you before September 23
- Acknowledgment of Unpaid Placement, Evidence of: Completed Form 1283. Completed by you before September 23 (See Phase 1)
- Health Insurance, Evidence of: A letter of insurance will be provided by your Program Manager.
- Special Programme, Evidence of: A letter of invite will be provided by your Program Manager.
- form 1284 (sent to you by Program Manager).
Step 4 – Wait for Application to Process (can take over 53 days)
- The Australian Government: Department of Home Affairs can’t give updates on applications within the standard processing time.
- You can check if they need more information from you in ImmiAccount
- Additional documentation may be required; submit additional documents as instructed in your ImmiAccount.
- In some cases, if an applicant has been previously diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) OR has visited a country within the last 5 years that is deemed by the Australian government to be a medium- or high-risk country for TB, they may be required to undergo a medical exam.
- This usually involves a chest x-ray and/or medical checkup, and it can cost up to $500. If you are required to complete this test, you’ll be notified AFTER you’ve submitted your application, and you will need to arrange the appointment immediately. Unfortunately, if you’re required to undergo the exam, there’s no way around this; you will not be granted a visa if you do not complete it
Step 5 – Receive notification if visa is granted
- Australian visas are granted electronically, meaning you will NOT get a physical visa sticker in your passport.
- When your visa is granted, you will be notified via email, and you will want to print this email and keep it for your records. Your electronic visa is tied to your passport number, and will be verified upon your arrival in Australia.
Step 6 – Print & Save Copy of visa confirmation
- Save a copy of your visa confirmation for your records
- We suggest printing a copy to bring with you when you travel to Australia, just in case.
Please note: This information has been prepared by Boston University Study Abroad based on the most recent information provided by the relevant immigration agency (E.G. consulate, embassy, etc.). It is each student’s responsibility to compile the necessary documents and apply for their visa based on their specific citizenship. Visas are granted by foreign governments only, Boston University does not play a role in visa issuance, nor can we influence immigration policy. While we do our best to keep instructions as up-to-date as possible, visa requirements are subject to change without our knowledge. Ultimately obtaining a visa in a timely manner, and any related costs incurred, are a student’s responsibility. Failure to acquire a visa will preclude participation in the program.
Course Selection: ON OCT 29 AT 8:00 PM (EST)
Although you already submitted an Advisor Support of Participation form as part of your application, you may adjust your course enrollment plans as you learn more about your program. Be sure to do so in consultation with your academic advisor (or your home institution’s study abroad office, if you are a visiting student), especially if your courses were pre-approved. You should determine, preferably prior to the start of the program, the precise degree requirements these courses will fulfill. It is your responsibility to research how the courses taken abroad apply towards your overall academic requirements and progress toward your degree. Visiting students should be certain you understand how courses you take with BU Study Abroad will transfer to your home institution.
Spring 2025 registration for Study Abroad will not begin until mid-November at the earliest, and BU students are encouraged to register for on-campus courses in the interim. You’ll want to ensure our office can register you for your placeholder block of courses by completing your general pre-departure documents within your online application. If your spring semester program were to be canceled, or you were to change your mind about participating, the transition back to a semester in Boston would be easier if you had previously registered for on-campus courses.
Visiting students, please check with your Study Abroad Office for advice on also registering or not for your on-campus courses.
Familiarize yourself with the courses listed under “Curriculum” and “Elective Courses” on your program page. All syllabi are attached.
You will indicate your selections for elective courses via an online form that will become available through email on OCT 29 (at 8:00 PM (EST)). You will receive an email from the Sydney staff telling you exactly when the form will go live, and how to fill it out. Make sure you have first and second course choices in mind (and have discussed them with your academic advisor), and be ready to indicate those on the form. We do have space limits for the courses, and in some cases you will not be able to be placed in your first choice class. If you absolutely need a particular course in order to graduate on time, there will be room on the online form to communicate that.
Remember, there’s a difference between a particular course being APPROVED versus REQUIRED; all of your elective course choices must be approved by your advisor, but may not be absolutely required.
Course registration will operate on a “first-in-first-registered” basis UNLESS you can claim verifiable evidence of academic requirement.
- If you are claiming academic requirement, there will be space on the form for you to upload evidence (which should be a letter or e-mail from your academic advisor) confirming that the course is “required” for you, not merely “approved.” Please make sure that this document also contains your advisor’s contact information.
There are two teaching sessions during the semester you will spend in Sydney:
In Session 1, every student takes AN368 Australian Culture and Society, which runs concurrently with a student’s Session 1 elective course. You will need to choose a module for this course. Please read below for further information regarding module selection.
Session 1 Elective Courses:
- EN383 Australian Literature – From Page to Screen
- IR339 Australia and the Politics of Regional Security in Asia-Pacific
- HF328 The Australian Wine Industry
- FT352 Film Production Using Video
- EC464 The Pacific Rim: Econ and Political Orders
- SO308 Australian Social Policy
In Session 2, students attend an internship Tuesday through Friday and take their Session 2 elective course on a Monday and either a Tuesday or Thursday evening.
Session 2 Elective Courses:
- FT345 Australian Cinema
- AH374 Australian Art & Architecture
- CO350 Mass Media in Australia
- EE328 Australian Points of View Toward Global Environmental Challenges
- HI356 Empires and Soft Power: A History of International Relations and Sport in the Pacific Rim
- CM406 Brand Advertising and Promotion
Please note: Your courses will not appear on your BU transcript until after the program has ended and grades are reported.
Submit the Independent Flight Form: DEC 1
All students that choose to book an independent flight are required to submit travel plans to BU Study Abroad. Once you have confirmed your independent travel, you must submit the independent flight form by December 1st.
Please keep in mind that late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
BU International Travel Registry: All study abroad students will be registered for the BU International Travel Registry. This tool provides information on your program site and sends travel alerts for your location throughout the semester. You will each receive a pre-departure email with more information.
Pre-Departure Meeting: DEC 7
PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING
A required pre-departure meeting for all students will take place in-person on Saturday, December 7. Participation details, including the schedule and location, will be emailed by your Program Manager. This orientation will include important information to prepare you for your semester abroad and will also give you time and space to meet the other students studying in your program. Students who are not in the Boston area will be able to join via Zoom. A Zoom link will be shared via email prior to the pre-departure meeting to those who do not attend BU.
All students are required to participate. This meeting is intended to give you an overview of daily life, culture, health and safety, and academics on your program. You will also have the opportunity to ask your Program Manager any questions about what to expect as you prepare for your time abroad.
For those students that are unable to make the specified time, please email your Program Manager.
Please also note that this meeting is intended for participants of the program only. Due to FERPA (Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act), parents/guardians are not permitted to attend this session. We do, however, encourage you to share relevant information about the program with your parents, as we understand that they may be curious about what to expect from your experience abroad.
Complete the Phase 2 Self Check
Have you completed everything in Phases 1 and 2? Here is a self-check to make sure you’re on the right track. Make sure you’re keeping track of any upcoming deadlines and budgeting enough time to complete them on-time. If you missed a deadline, be sure to check in with your Program Manager and complete that task right away.
You should have completed:
(From Phase 1)
- For US Citizens: Submitted Visa Required Paperwork – DUE SEPT 23
- Submitted Internship Form (in applicant portal) – DUE OCT 4
- Submitted Housing Questionnaire (in applicant portal) – Due in Applicant Portal
- Booked Flight & Review Arrival Information – NOV 30 – DEC 1
(From Phase 2)
- Submitted Visa Application (Non-US Citizens) – OCT 1
- Submitted your Course Selection – OCT 29 @ 8 PM EST
- Submitted Visa Application (US Citizens) – OCT 15
- Submitted Independent Flight Form – DEC 1 on Applicant Portal
- Attended Pre-departure Conference – DEC 7
- Made a plan for any medications, prescriptions or healthcare needs abroad
- Contacted BU Disability Services to plan for academic accommodations and other support services (if necessary)
———– END PHASE TWO ———–
———– START PHASE THREE ———–
Mobile Phones & Internet Access
Phones:
All students must have a local Australian mobile number throughout your time in Sydney so do not purchase an international plan through your US provider. Upon arrival, affordable mobile phone options, sim cards, and contract-free pre-paid phone plans will be available for you to purchase.
If you are planning to bring a phone from home, this phone must have a sim card slot (or eSIM) and be “unlocked” in order to use it with an Australian service provider. We advise against purchasing an international plan through a US service provider.
An “unlocked” phone means one that can be used overseas with ANY service provider (not just AT&T or Verizon etc.). You will need to call your phone provider and request to have your phone “unlocked” so that you can use it with an Australian sim card. If your US-based service provider is unwilling to unlock your phone as it is in contract, bring an unlocked and out of contract mobile with you instead.
Keep in mind that all calls (even calls from overseas) to an Australian mobile number are charged to the caller.
CALLING CODES:
- Australia’s country code is +61
- Dialing internationally from Australia: 0011 + country code (USA is 1) + area code + number
- Dialing a landline in NSW Australia from US: 011 + 61 + 2 + number
- Dialing a mobile phone in Australia from US: 011 + 61 + 4 + number
iPhone tip: If you have an iPhone, you can keep your American phone on airplane mode but still contact friends and family back home using iMessage, FaceTime, or WhatsApp when using WiFi.
Internet:
You will have WiFi access in the BU building. Many cafes, restaurants, and public places also have WiFi.
Packing List and Tips
Please reference BU Sydney’s “What to Bring” list.
*Kindly note that your packing will be restricted by airline regulations. If you must leave something behind, you’ll most likely be able to find it in Sydney.
Withdrawals: Deadline DEC 31
Have You Changed Your Mind?
If you are considering withdrawing from your Study Abroad program, please thoroughly review the Boston University Study Abroad Policy on Refunds. Please keep in mind that at any time after your admission to the program there may be non-recoverable costs associated with withdrawing from the program. Examples of non-recoverable costs for which you may be financially responsible may include, but are not limited to, charges related to housing, flights, academics, internships, or program-related activities.
It is important to note that the program starts on January 8 (depart the US January 6) and is more than 12 weeks long. The last day to notify our office in writing of your withdrawal prior to being responsible for a portion of the program fee is December 31.
Complete the Phase 3 Self Check
Have you completed everything in Phases 1, 2 and 3? Here is a self-check to make sure you’re on the right track. Make sure you’re keeping track of any upcoming deadlines and budgeting enough time to complete them on-time. If you missed a deadline, be sure to check in with your Program Manager and complete that task right away. Please contact your Program Manager and abroad@bu.edu if you decide to withdraw or have additional questions.
You should have completed:
(From Phase 1)
- For US Citizens: Submitted Visa Required Paperwork – DUE SEPT 23
- Submitted Internship Form (in applicant portal) – DUE OCT 4
- Submitted Housing Questionnaire (in applicant portal) – Due in Applicant Portal
- Booked Flight & Review Arrival Information – NOV 30
(From Phase 2)
- Non-US Citizens: Submitted Visa Application – OCT 1
- Submitted your Course Selection – OCT 29 @ 8PM EST
- US Citizens: Submitted Visa Application – OCT 15
- Submitted Independent Flight Form – DEC 1
- Attended Pre-departure Conference – DEC 7
- Made a plan for any medications, prescriptions or healthcare needs abroad
- Contacted BU Disability Services to plan for academic accommodations and other support services (if necessary)
(From Phase 3)
- Settled your Boston University Student Account – Billing Deadline
- Called your bank and credit card companies to let them know you’ll be studying abroad.
- Decided what your plan is for a mobile phone abroad.
- Made a reasonable communication plan with your family and friends
- Reviewed your packing list and purchased any essentials
———– END PHASE THREE ———–
———– START CONTACT ———–
Program Contacts
As you prepare for and embark on your study abroad experience, you will be in contact with various staff members from BU Study Abroad, both in Boston and abroad. To avoid missing important information, please add “@bu.edu” to your address book. Please keep all emails in a folder for your reference as you prepare for your semester abroad. Here are the names and email addresses of some people who will be in touch with you this semester, and/or whom you may want to contact with questions.
Boston-based Staff
Megan DeBolt, Program Manager, will be your primary contact during the pre-departure process.
Sydney-based Staff
Merryn, Student Services Coordinator. You can contact this email for any changes in your Internship or Housing forms or general questions about life on site in Sydney. Site Staff will be sending you pre-departure preparation emails.
To see the full Sydney staff listings, please see the BU Sydney Program Staff & Faculty page of the Sydney website.
———– END CONTACT ———–
———– START CALENDAR ———–
Spring 2025 Sydney Internship Program runs from January 8 (depart the US on January 6) – April 30 2025
Neither late arrivals nor early departures are permitted. We urge students to not make any weekend or mid-semester break travel plans until they arrive on site and receive the finalized course and program schedule. During the semester, students must fulfill strict attendance requirements and will be very busy with classes, program activities, and assignments. If family and friends plan to visit, please schedule trips to take place before the start of on-site orientation, during a scheduled program break, or after the semester ends. By timing visits to coincide with scheduled program breaks, you can meet attendance requirements and take full advantage of your study abroad experience.
Tentative Academic Calendar – Sydney Internship Program
| SIP Group Flight Departs LA | January 6 |
| Arrival in Sydney | January 8 |
| Orientation | Wed Jan. 8 – Sun Jan. 12 |
| Session 1 Elective Courses Begin | Mon Jan. 13 |
| AN 368 Course Begins | Tues Jan. 14 |
| Australia Day (Public Holiday)
Australia Day (Observed) |
Sun. Jan. 26
Mon. Jan 27 |
| FINAL EXAM: AN 368 | Fri Feb. 21 |
| FINAL EXAM: First Session Elective | Fri Feb. 28 |
| Spring Break! | Mon. March 3 – Fri. March 7 |
| Session 2 Elective Courses Begin | Mon. March 10 |
| Internships Begin | Tues. March 11 |
| Good Friday (Australian Public Holiday) | Fri. April 18 |
| Easter Monday (Australian Public Holiday) | Mon. April 21 |
| Internships End | Thurs. April 24 |
| Anzac Day (Public Holiday) | Fri. April 25 |
| Session 2 Final Exams | Mon. April 28 |
| Program Ends / Departure Day | Wed. April 30 |
———– END CALENDAR ———–
———– START FINE PRINT ———–
Boston University Study Abroad reserves the right to rescind admission to or continuation in any program if an applicant’s academic or disciplinary record is not satisfactory. Boston University students placed on expulsion, academic suspension, or residence separation are not eligible to participate for the duration of the sanction. Deferred separation status will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Non-Boston University students are expected to verify their eligibility to study abroad with their home institution. In addition, your Boston University student account must be in good standing. University policy requires the withholding of educational services, including participation in a BU Study Abroad program from any student whose financial obligations to the university are due and/or unpaid. In completing your online pre-departure forms, there are a number of terms and conditions that you have agreed to by your electronic signature. In addition, some policies are stated on our website and linked below. We suggest that you review the following with your family, parent/guardian or other interested party: All students should thoroughly review the Boston University Study Abroad Policy on Refunds. This policy applies to all students and should be thoughtfully read when considering a withdrawal from a program. If you have questions, please contact our office. All students should review the Boston University Study Abroad Privacy Notice.The Fine Print: Policies and Procedures
Academic, Disciplinary and Financial Standing
Students’ Responsibilities While Abroad
Policy on Refunds
Privacy Notice
