Students in the field of education have the opportunity to gain international teaching experience through Boston University’s Wheelock Education Program. Students complete a four-credit core course on Australian Culture and Society during the first six weeks of the semester while completing a 10-credit teaching practicum. The Boston University Study Abroad Sydney site combines student apartment suites, classrooms, offices, a library, computer facilities, and a lounge space. During their time in Australia, students will live in single bedrooms in fully furnished suites of three to four bedrooms.
BU Abroad: A Sydney Perspective
BU Abroad: A Sydney Perspective
Requirements & Considerations
- All students must enroll according to, and remain in compliance with, the Boston University Study Abroad Course Load Policy.
- Boston University students only
- Non-US citizens must contact BU Study Abroad prior to submitting an application before March 15. Obtaining visas may not be possible for applications received after this date, especially those from non-Commonwealth countries.
- Admissions requirements for all programs
Curriculum
Required Course
All students are enrolled in CAS AN 368 Australian Culture & Society. This course is taught at the BU Sydney site during the first six weeks of the semester.
Students will be in a similar environment to US-based teaching placements where they have a cooperating teacher and will be assisting and observing the majority of the time. A member of Wheelock also travels to Sydney to observe them during their placement to maintain licensure requirements.
Students focusing on Elementary Education are enrolled in a 10-credit teaching practicum course, plus the 4-credit Australian Culture & Society course, totaling 14 credits. They complete a two-week “classroom takeover” period in November where they must organize all lesson plans and teach by themselves (with observation).
Students focusing on Secondary Education are enrolled in an 8-credit teaching practicum course in addition to the 4-credit Australian Culture & Society course, totaling 12 credits. They complete a “classroom takeover” for at least two classes in November where they must organize all lesson plans and teach by themselves (with observation).
Required Course
- CAS AN 368 Australian Culture & Society (4 credits)
- This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas:
- Historical Consciousness
- Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
- Research and Information Literacy
- Major focus on Australia’s global and national development as a multicultural nation with European roots, traditional western alliances and an imagined future in the Asia-Pacific region. The themes of continuity and change in relation to the Aboriginal population are explored in some detail.
- Syllabus
Housing & Student Services
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
Program Dates
- Fall Semester: mid August to mid December
Application Deadlines
This program is rolling admissions; applications are reviewed once all application materials are received, prior to all deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received by the BU Study Abroad office. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.
Information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision and exceptions to the standard admission calendar for all students can be found here.
Cost & Financial Considerations
