One of our newest programs has come to us from the land "down under." Develop both academic and professional skills on this program by exploring classes at Macquarie University, as well as completing an internship in your sequence area of interest. Your internship will allow you to apply your journalism knowledge in a real world setting.
The opportunity to work in an international environment and sharpen your journalistic skills while getting to know Aussies first-hand is too good to pass up and is a great addition to any resume. Experience how journalism is taught in the Australian classroom while embracing the new perspectives and ideas of how their media system works. Live, work, and study in Sydney!
Host Institution: Macquarie University
The Arms of the University of Macquarie bears the image of a lighthouse, whose first stone was laid by the former governor of New South Wales Lachlan Macquarie in 1816. At a time when Australia was nothing more than a settlement for convicts, Governor Macquarie was a leader full of innovation and determination. Taking after their namesake, the University of Macquarie has always been, and continues to be, an innovative university and one of the top leaders in Australian education.
What was the best part of your study abroad experience?
"Having the opportunity to discover and learn on my own in a different environment."
Kyle Pusateri Australia – Winter 2007
Established in 1964, the university quickly became known as "Australia's Most Innovative University," attracting students from all over Australia as well as the rest of the world. Now, over forty years later, the university has grown to having well over 30,000 students, creating an exciting atmosphere for students to learn and interact. Truly an international campus, nearly 30% of the students enrolled in 2004 were students from abroad.
Consisting of three colleges, the College of Commerce, College of Humanities and Social Science, and the College of Science and Technology, the University of Macquarie takes pride in the quality of courses offered and the diversity of its subjects. Speaking in volumes of the quality of research taking place at Macquarie, nearly 35% of the student body in 2004 was made up of students in post-graduate studies, making the university one of Australia's most post-graduate universities.
Student life and activities are certainly not lacking at Macquarie, as it plays host to over 20 student clubs ranging from club soccer to a Buddhist student organization, to a Bushwalking Club. Students may learn about these organizations through SAM, Students At Macquarie, a student organization and club on campus which provides students with services such as a game room, bookstore, a hair salon, university dentist and pharmacy, and the SAMbar which hosts events such as free BBQ and trivia nights for students.
Area
Sydney is the largest city in Australia, situated in a warm climate. The city is culturally diverse, with plenty of places to shop and eat. Macquarie University is only about half an hour to downtown Sydney or nearby beaches. The location is great for students and other young people, and the public transportation makes getting around easy, convenient, and cheap!
What was the best part of your study abroad experience?
"Everything! The cultural experience of having classes with Australians; working in an Australian office; the people I met; and the most beautiful sights I've ever seen."
Lauren Wooldridge Australia – Winter 2007
As a student in Sydney, you will be joined by an international community rivaled by few cities in the world. Sydney's long history of immigration has had a lasting impact on the metropolitan city, now boasting the 2nd largest immigrant population of any major world city, over 45%. First settled in 1788 by Arthur Phillip in the name of the British Empire as a colony for exiled prisoners, Sydney has come a long way, with its population now reaching over 4 million. With an urban area of comparable size to London, with merely half the population, the citizens of Sydney sprawl out over the coastal land that has been home to Aborigines for over 40,000 years. This mixture of new and old can be seen in the rich history throughout the city and is exhibited in many of its world-class museums that will be easily accessible to you as a student.
The skyline of Sydney Harbour is intermingled with several parks, providing a haven for the sometimes hectic city life and offering a change of scenery for those overwhelmed by the confines of the city. When exploring the city, one may come across internationally recognized landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which looms over Port Jackson, the largest natural port in the world. With features such as these, it is no wonder why visitors flock to this Australian gem year after year and it is no surprise that the city of Sydney acted as host to the 2000 Summer Olympics in the then newly constructed Sydney Olympic Park.
No stranger to sports, Sydney also lays claim as the Major Rugby League center of the world, with its Sydney Roosters now in their 99th season after becoming a team in 1908. If rugby is not your game of choice, you are sure to find something to quench your thirst for activity on one of Sydney's many world renowned beaches.
Eligibility
Students with a minimum of 3.0 GPA who have completed the first course in their sequence are eligible for admission to a study abroad internship program. Students with slightly lower GPA may be considered if their journalism GPA is above 3.0. All students must be in good academic standing.
Course Credit
You will earn 12 credit hours, nine Journalism elective credits and three hours upper-level non-Journalism credits. The internship earns you six hours of Journalism Elective credit. In addition, you will choose two courses from the host university's handbook to earn you another six hours of credit. Make three of those additional six hours journalism elective credit and experience how journalism is taught abroad.
Costs
MU attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you. Generally, study abroad experiences cost a bit more than credits taken on-campus at MU, but include new experiences, cultures, languages, and often times housing, flight costs, and other program related costs. It's highly recommended that you outline a budget for yourself of what you would spend during a semester here at MU and compare it to study abroad costs.
Because this is a fee-paying program, it is more expensive than an exchange program. The program fee is approximately $7,320 which includes on-campus housing, internship placement, on-site assistance and orientation, and MU Study Abroad fee. In addition to the program fee, additional expenses to consider for this program include MU educational fees (12 credits), international airfare, personal and internship-related transportation, insurance, visa, and other miscellaneous expenses. Please note that there are scholarships and other financial options available to you to help make study abroad part of your college experience!
Financial Aid
The financial aid you normally receive for your classes at MU is usually applicable. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs of studying abroad. Please meet with the advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office (11 Jesse Hall) for more complete information: 573-882-7506.
The School of Journalism offers need-based travel scholarships each semester. Applications are available on our Web site. You can also apply for additional scholarships through the MU International Center (Memorial Union). Watch our Web site for special program scholarship announcements each semester.
Housing
You will be living on-campus in Macquarie international student housing arranged through the program. You will live with other exchange students from all over the world. There are nearby cafeterias, many local restaurants, or you can choose to cook your own meals. The housing is within walking distance or within a short bus ride of nearby mall/stores.
How to Apply
Deadline for Fall Semester 2008: March 3, 2008
Deadline for Spring Semester 2009: Oct. 1, 2008
It is recommended that all applicants meet with the Journalism Study Abroad Advisor prior to applying if they have questions or concerns. Please submit the following application materials in a manila envelope to the Journalism Study Abroad Coordinator, 76 Gannett by the posted deadline. Remember to sign-up for an interview time when you drop off your application! For this program you will need:
Two letters of recommendation. We prefer one to be from an academic source and one from an employer. Please have references direct letters "To Whom It May Concern." [Recommendation Form]
PDF File: 130K
One of our newest programs has come to us from the land "down under." Develop both academic and professional skills on this program by exploring classes at Macquarie University, as well as completing an internship in your sequence area of interest. Your internship will allow you to apply your journalism knowledge in a real world setting.
The opportunity to work in an international environment and sharpen your journalistic skills while getting to know Aussies first-hand is too good to pass up and is a great addition to any resume. Experience how journalism is taught in the Australian classroom while embracing the new perspectives and ideas of how their media system works. Live, work, and study in Sydney!
