Purdue Sydney Internship Program

Program Details

Program Location Sydney, Australia
Sponsor Purdue
Program Type Purdue Administered
Course # SA 10102
Duration Summer
Upcoming Program Dates
Summer 2024 05/14/24 to 07/05/24
Page Links
Click here to apply for this program!
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Overview

Purdue Sydney Internship Program

Atop the Harbor Bridge

  For more information or for questions email Chelsey Mullins, mullins4@purdue.edu

Click here to see FAQs about this program.

Click here to view a recorded callout for this program.

Please note that the dates listed above are the DEPARTURE dates. You need to arrive in Sydney on Thursday, May 16, 2024. If you arrive in Sydney before that, you will need to arrange for a hotel room.
 
Sydney is one of the most exciting cities in the world, an invigorating multi-cultural metropolis which blends an intoxicating contemporary energy with a fascinating history and a stunning natural site. Purdue's summer program will be located at CAPA's Sydney Center, which is located in the Ultimo neighborhood, a trendy and popular urban residential area.

The Sydney Internship Program combines a three-credit unpaid internship with a three-credit academic course over a seven-week period. The Sydney program is designed to allow students to study and work in an international setting while developing an appreciation for Australian culture.

Students from the following colleges/schools/departments/programs are eligible to participate:

College of Agriculture:

  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication (AgComm only)

College of Health & Human Sciences:

  • Nutrition Science
  • Hospitality and Tourism Management (includes CSR majors)
  • Human Development and Family Studies
  • Health and Kinesiology
  • Psychological Sciences
  • Public Health

College of Liberal Arts:

  • Communication
  • English
  • Film and Video Studies
  • History
  • Political Science
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Visual and Performing Arts (Art & Design and Theater)

College of Science:

  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Statistics

Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program

  • Certificate in Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Polytechnic Institute:

  • Computer Graphics Technology
  • Engineering Technology (MET only)
  • Technology Leadership & Innovation (HRD & OLS)

School of Management:

  • All majors

YOU MUST BE IN A MAJOR FROM ONE OF THE ABOVE DEPARTMENTS, and you must complete an internship within your major, not minor, to participate in this program!


Eligibility

Purdue Sydney Internship Program

Purdue students in good standing with majors in the above listed departments are eligible if they have attained a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0, reached at least junior standing (four semesters of study) by the start of the program, and have the prerequisites for the internship course for their major. Students who have switched majors need to have taken some classes from the new major to qualify for participation. Degree-in-3-students should contact the Study Abroad Office about eligibility.

In order to determine eligibility, check with your academic advisor about prerequisites for the following courses: A&D 47800, AGEC 49800, ANTH 39000, BIOL 49500, CHM 49000, COM 49000, CS 49000, CSR 39800, ENGL 49000, ENTR 49000, FVS 45000, HDFS 39000, HIST 49900, HK 49000, HTM 39000, MET 29900, MGMT 39000, NUTR 39800, OLS 49100, POL 40300, PSY 49200, PUBH 49000, SOC 39000, STAT 49000, TECH 39699, THTR 39000, and YDAE 49000.

Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.

Students who are not physically on the West Lafayette campus during the spring semester should contact the study abroad office about participating in this program.

GPA Requirement: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: none


Academic Program

Internship placements are available in a variety of sites, including small businesses, corporations, art facilities, sports management organizations, major hotels, government agencies, fashion houses, publishing companies, museums, broadcasting studios, and many others. Internships offer students a learning experience which integrates formal academic preparation and the culture of the work place, furthering the development of professional values, attitudes, and skills.

CAPA, the internship/program coordinator in Sydney, will locate an internship in the student's major and general area of interest usually prior to departure. Placements depend on the major, background, training, interests, and talents of the student, as well as success in securing the internship at the time of the interview (remotely prior to departure or in person after arriving in Sydney) with the potential internship site.

By working approximately 20-24 hours per week, students should easily be able to fit in the total required 140 hours. However students should not plan to have Fridays or weekends free, and commute time, which can be up to an hour each way, does not count towards internship hours.

Students will attend a weekly Internship Focus Session as well as enroll in one three-credit course, taught by Australian faculty. Internship hours will be arranged around students' class schedules. Students should note that, just like on campus, there must be a minimum or maximum number of students in a class to be able to enroll in it. While students will be asked during the application process to select one of the courses below, it does not guarantee them a spot in that class. Following admission into the program, courses will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

Students must take one of the two courses listed under Time Block A and should check with their academic advisor as soon as possible regarding the best class for their plan of study:

Courses for Summer 2024

Time Block: A

COM 30300: Intercultural Communication
3 credits

- Instructor: Caitlin Natt, Brian Lamb School of Communication
Intercultural Communication is designed to provide students with an immersion experience while studying the implications of interaction with diverse others in interpersonal, small group, and organizational contexts. The course will begin with an overview of the concepts and issues that frame the study of intercultural communication, such as culture as context, cultural values, and barriers to intercultural communication. Students will then analyze the relevance and practice of these concepts and issues by contrasting American perspectives with the surrounding international social, political, and business community. The course format will include mini-lectures, class discussion, group work, role playing, and video presentations. Pertinent examples from students' internship experiences will also be considered. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Time Block: A

IDIS 49000: Analyzing and Exploring the Global City-Sydney
3 credits

- Instructor: Australian Adjunct Instructor
This course is designed to encourage students to engage in a critical analysis of the development of modern cities, in particular Sydney. It will trace Sydney's development from a "colonial outpost" into the "thriving metropolis" it is today. The course will examine how the forces of colonization, migration, modernization and globalization have affected the city and its inhabitants. Students will gain insights into the changing dynamics and identities of its inhabitants and will also look at the forces which have shaped Sydney's relationship with the rest of the world. The course is organized thematically with each theme examining different aspects of the city. It begins with an introduction to the city, then a discussion of Sydney as a colonial city, moving into an analysis of its identities, impact of migration and finally its commerce, cityscape and urban future. The course ultimately intends to help students contextualize their travels and encounters in the city and will help them develop informed interpretations of Sydney while they are here. The course will mix classroom work with experiential learning and will include field trips to give students the opportunity to experience its varied urban geographies first hand and interact with these sites in an informed and analytical way. Additional course fee required (amount: $40).

Time Block: B

Sydney Internship Experience/Internship Focus Session (REQUIRED)
3 credits

- Instructor: evaluated by the student's Departmental Internship Supervisor
In order to receive credit for the internship, students must successfully complete ALL of the tasks listed below.

Prior to departure:
-- attend the mandatory advising session in February as well as the pre-departure orientation in April
-- compile a resume, cover letter, and internship questionnaire according to the instructions and standards discussed at February's mandatory advising session
-- be interviewed by the potential internship site in Sydney
-- based on the internship site and expected duties, develop a list of goals and objectives

While in Sydney:
-- attend a one-hour-per-week Internship Focus Session designed to increase awareness and understanding of the culture, people, and work environment in which they are training
-- keep a daily journal to reflect on and analyze internship experiences
-- intern/work 140 hours (approximately 20-24 hours per week)

Upon return to the USA:
-- write an Internship Analysis Paper that includes 1.) a description of the internship work setting, the purpose and structure of the host organization, and the student’s responsibilities; 2.) a description of one or more experiences which relate the student’s academic program; 3.) a review and evaluation of the student’s learning objectives; and 4.) a discussion of how the internship experience relates to concepts or theories learned in academic courses at Purdue and what was learned from the internship

Interns will also be evaluated by the on-site internship supervisor toward the end of the internship. Evaluations will be mailed to Purdue by CAPA when completed.

NOTE: Some academic departments may have additional academic requirements for their students. The internship experience will be awarded a letter grade or grade of pass/no pass, depending on the department’s policies. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss these details and requirements with his/her academic advisor and/or departmental internship supervisor!


Excursions

The program fee includes a half-day guided tour of Sydney and a full-day guided tour to the Blue Mountains and Featherdale Wildlife Park.

Any student who chooses not to participate in the excursions will not receive any refund of the program fee. Additional inexpensive and subsidized excursions and cultural events will be available at the student's expense.


Housing

Students will live in central Sydney in fully furnished apartments with other Purdue program participants. Housing in Sydney is expensive; therefore there will be multiple students living in each apartment with two to three students per bedroom, depending on its size. 

The apartment layout could vary greatly, but all have a bathroom and living/dining/kitchen area. The kitchen will be equipped with basic cooking/eating utensils. Wireless access will be available for web searches and email.


Estimated Program Costs

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss. 

Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location.  This will vary by program.

The program costs are estimates. They are useful for planning purposes, but are subject to change due to currency exchange rate fluctuation and inflation. Students should regard these figures as approximate amounts. Compared to West Lafayette, Sydney is an expensive city and extensive travel on weekends will increase students' costs.

The program fee includes tuition & fees for six credits, housing, internship placement, orientation, excursions, and a pass for local transportation.

Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Summer 2024

Costs to be billed by Purdue
Program Fee $7,371.70
Study Abroad Fee $609.40

Approximate additional costs
To be paid by the student.
Round-trip Airfare $2,000.00
Visa $15.00
Books and Supplies $75.00
Meals $1,575.00
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $0.00 - $800.00
Travel Documents (passport, photos) $175.00

Financial Aid

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.


Application Deadlines

For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.

As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.

Application Process for Purdue’s Summer Internship Programs: 

The preliminary application includes: the online study abroad application, a transcript, essay, two recommendations (one academic recommendation on the form that you can submit via your MyStudyAbroad page and one work-related recommendation on company letterhead from any current or previous job or internship supervisor), and a copy of your passport or proof of passport application.

The preliminary application must be submitted to Programs for Study Abroad by February 1st.

**We will begin reviewing completed applications in early January; the program could potentially fill up before the deadline. It is imperative, however, that the preliminary application is complete by the deadline at the very latest!**

Once students are conditionally accepted into the program, they must attend one of the two mandatory advising sessions in February (date and location: TBD). Students must remain present for the entire session.

During the advising session students will receive further instructions on completing the rest of the internship application, including resume, cover letter, and other additional paperwork. 

Upon full acceptance into the program, students are expected to pay a non-refundable confirmation deposit to ensure their participation in the program and course choice.

Program Application Deadline
Purdue Summer Sydney Internship Program Feb 1



Returnees Information

Purdue Sydney Internship Program

Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted.  If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.


Resources

The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.


For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383 or email studyabroad@purdue.edu.