The Sydney Summer Internship Program offers students the opportunity to combine professional experience with academic coursework. Offered in summer term, students enroll in courses at the Sydney Center that explore Australia’s political systems, contemporary culture, cinema, and place in the modern world. Students also receive the opportunity to participate in Sydney’s local work life through an internship that earns academic credit. During their time in Sydney, students live in single bedrooms in fully furnished suites at the BU Sydney Center.

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BU Abroad: A Sydney Perspective

BU Abroad: A Sydney Perspective

  • Some courses carry prerequisites
  • Non-US citizens must contact BU Study Abroad prior to submitting an application, and are strongly encouraged to apply early in order to allow sufficient time to secure a visa. Obtaining visas may not be possible for applications received after the March 1 deadline.
  • Admissions requirements for all programs
Students enroll in one liberal arts course and an internship course. Students participate in Sydney's local work life in a range of Australian and multinational businesses and organizations. Students will be in attendance at their internships four days a week and will undertake coursework to support the academic objectives of the internship program.

Students enroll in one of the following courses. Note: Syllabi are for course approval and reference only. Students will receive up-to-date syllabi when their courses begin.

  • CAS EC 464 The Pacific Rim: Economic and Political Orders (4 credits)
    • The region viewed from a ‘political economy’ perspective by critically examining the interaction of economic, political, military, and ideological forces. Transformation of the Pacific Basin over the post-World War II period, examining the endeavors to construct a Western regional order based on introducing and stimulating capitalist development, the subsequent integration of the region, and the various tensions and contradictions to the maintenance of order.
    • Syllabus
  • CAS GE 330 Sustainable Sydney - Sustainable Australia (4)
    • Provides a thorough introduction to the challenges facing urban sustainability projects, using Sydney as the urban model. Topics studied include resource consumption, food production and management, power and energy, and models for future development. Includes guest speakers and field trips.
    • Syllabus
  • CAS PO 260 The Australian Political System (4)
    • An introduction to the study of Australian politics and government focusing on basic institutions such as Federation, the Constitution, pressure groups, political parties, Parliament, and Cabinet; and the major political institutions and processes in Australia; approaches used in the study of politics; and experience and expertise in oral and written analysis.
    • Syllabus
  • Questrom MK 467 International Marketing Management (4)
    • Prerequisite: Questrom MK 323 Marketing Management.
    • Develops a critical appreciation of both the opportunities and challenges associated with the increasing globalization of markets. Students learn about the key environmental forces shaping the needs and preferences of the global consumer and the impact of foreign, political, and economic factors on the marketing mix.
    • Syllabus
  • SHA HF 328 The Australian Wine Industry (4)
    • This course provides an overview of the Australian wine industry in a cultural context and leads to advanced wine knowledge. The main aim of the course is to provide an introduction to the Australian wine industry, wine regions, grape varieties, and production methods in Australia and food and wine combinations and event planning. In addition, the course provides an overview of Australian legislation, classification systems, and quality control. This builds a consolidated understanding of the wine making process, its variations and pitfalls. Focus will be placed on developing an appreciation of great Australian wine and the ability to recognize a flawed one. The course provides principles and techniques for wine tasting and sensorial assessment, in order to be able to perform the purchasing function knowledgeably and confidently. Additionally the course will provide an understanding of the structures, job roles, and functions available in the Australian wine and related fields and industries.
    • Syllabus

Students enroll in a four-credit internship placement. Course numbers depend on the field of specialization in which the students complete their internships. Placements are contingent upon the student's past experiences, professional interests, and relevant academic history, as well as the availability of opportunities in any given semester; flexibility is essential.

  • CAS AH 505 Internship in Arts/Arts Administration
  • CAS EC 497 Internship in Business/Economics
  • CAS PO 401 Internship in Politics
  • CAS PO 405 /IR 455 Internship in International Organizations
  • CAS PS 495 Internship in Health and Human Services
  • COM CM 471 Internship in Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations
  • COM JO 411 Internship in Journalism
  • COM JO 413 Internship in Broadcast Journalism
  • SAR HS 410 Field Placement in Human Physiology
  • SHA HF 390 Field Placement in Hospitality Administration
Internship Components
  • The internship itself (evaluated by the placement site supervisor)
  • Academic work based on the internship experience, which includes the submission of two research papers
  • Internship advisor's evaluation
  • Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations
    • Work in marketing, product development, design, and presentation for specific advertising or public relations agencies or the public relations departments of larger organizations. Past internship placements have included Whybin TBWA, L&A Social Media, Hill + Knowlton Strategies, Chugg Entertainment, and J. Walter Thompson.
  • Arts/Arts Administration
    • Work in book publishing, museums, theaters, galleries, and art events. Past internship placements have included Murdoch Books, Chippendale Creative Precinct, Sydney Theatre Company, and Australian Theatre for Young People.
  • Business/Economics
    • Work in the finance, accounting, legal, or marketing departments of Australian corporations, or in a government agency. Past internship placements have included American Chamber of Commerce, Staples, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), South Sydney Business Chamber, and the Australian Rugby Union.
  • Health/Human Services
    • Work in hospital rehabilitation, therapy, or education programs, social service departments, or community care centers. Past internships have included Lucas Gardens School, Therapies for Kids, Dreams2Live4, and Sports, Spinal & Rehab Solutions.
  • Hospitality Administration
    • Work in the hospitality industry in such fields as hotel or restaurant management. Past internship placements have included The Wine Society, Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), The Conference Room, and Peterpans Adventure Travel.
  • International Organizations/NGO's
    • Work in social activist organizations, environmental organizations, human rights organizations, and associated government departments. Past internships have included ActionAid Australia, Greenpeace, Dreams2Live4, WWF Australia, and The Wilderness Society.
  • Journalism
    • Work in writing, copy editing, research, design, and production for magazines, newspapers, or publishing houses. Past internship placements have included Time Out Sydney Magazine, NewsLocal, Luxury Travel Magazine, Rolling Stone, and Murdoch Books.
  • Politics/Pre-Law
    • Work with members of State and Federal Parliament and their staff. Study the history and practice of law in Australia and participate in the daily life of a Sydney law firm or commercial legal department. Past internships have included International Commission of Jurists and various Sydney solicitors.

The above are examples of past internship placements only. While BU Study Abroad guarantees an internship to program participants, specific placements may not always be available. Likewise, internships may be available in academic areas not listed.

Program Residence 

  • Students have single, furnished rooms, in 3–4 person suites with a shared kitchen, 1.5 bathrooms, and common area with a television. They are provided with bedding, a bath towel, and wash cloth. There is a microwave in the kitchen which can also be used to bake. There is a mall a short walk away where students can purchase kitchen supplies, home goods, and groceries.
  • Board is not included/no stipend
  • No dining hall availability
  • Library and classrooms in the same building for students to use
  • 24 hr. security, a roof deck for students to hang out, a fully-stocked library with computers, classrooms in the same building

 

  • Summer Term: Late May to late July
  • Summer Term: March 1 

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